NEWS

Six outstanding individuals were recognized by the Association of Women in Agriculture Benefit Corporation (AWABC) and the Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA) for their notable contributions to AWA and the agricultural community. Recognized individuals include Ronna Morton Ballmer, Katy Katzman, Emma Vos, Brenna Johnson, Val Gaffney & Gaffney Family Cattle and Sydney Flick.

Ronna Morton Ballmer was the recipient of the AWA Founders Award. The Founders Award is presented to an individual who has had a significant influence on students and alumni of AWA. Ronna has been involved in AWA since the 1970’s. She is passionate about the organization and its benefits for creating community amongst like-minded women in agriculture. Ronna served as the AWA alumni president in 1988-1989 and was very involved in many of the committees and activities. One of her most notable contributions was working with active members to coordinate Tupperware fundraisers through the 1990’s and early 2000’s and was honored as Friend of AWA in 2004 for this effort. In recent years, Ronna has sewn Badger T-shirt quilts and other items to raise funds for student scholarships during the auction held annually at AWA Day.

Katy Katzman was recognized as the Outstanding Woman in Agriculture. The Outstanding Woman in Agriculture is recognized for her significant influence on the agricultural industry. Katy embodies the very essence of this honor through her unwavering commitment to agriculture, her leadership within the industry, and her dedication to fostering the next generation of women in agriculture. She has held impactful roles within the agriculture industry, serving as the Managing Editor at Agri-View Newspaper from 1997 to 2004 and the Executive Director at the Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board from 2006 to 2020. Currently, Katy owns and operates Katzman Farms Inc, a 1,600 cow commercial Holstein operation, alongside her husband, Wes, and their three children.

Emma Vos is this year’s Outstanding Senior. The Outstanding Senior is awarded for her years of leadership through AWA. Emma will graduate with a degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics this May. She has held various leadership roles, such as Treasurer, Sunshine Coordinator, and Breakfast on the Farm Chair during her time as a member of the student AWA chapter. Emma believes that asking questions, working together, and brainstorming are key to propelling the AWABC organization forward and providing opportunities for both active members and alumni. As an alumni, she plans to help bridge the gap between alumni and active members.

Brenna Johnson was awarded the Friend of AWA. The Friend of AWA is awarded by the student chapter for going above and beyond the call of duty to help AWA and its members throughout the year. This person has provided the students with guidance and support, serving as a mentor by setting a positive example. Brenna has gone above and beyond with managing AWA house maintenance and updates. She has aided in the installment of new windows and a new stove this year, while juggling a busy work schedule and a growing family.

Val Gaffney & Gaffney Family Cattle was this year’s Honored Guest at AWA Day. The Honored Guest is recognized by the student chapter for significant time and resources donated to AWA. This individual has demonstrated outstanding support for the active chapter and their interest is sincerely appreciated. Val and her family have brought dinner to the AWA house and chaperoned formal this year. Val & Gaffney Family Cattle have also donated beef to the AWA house as well.

Sydney Flick was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus award. This award is presented by the student chapter to an AWA alumnus that is excelling in her agricultural career and recognized for their commitment to their family, community, and the agriculture industry.  Sydney is a driving force of her family-owned farm, Jazzy Jerseys, in Lodi, Wis. Sydney has embarked on a new venture by launching a farm store, which features beef, sweet corn, pumpkins, and other local goods. This endeavor aims to foster agritourism and connect consumers with the farming experience.

The six awards were presented at the organization’s AWA Day held on April 5th in Madison, Wis.