Download Environmental Science Proficiency

News Release
Department of Public Instruction
125 South Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703
Telephone: (608) 267-9255
Wisconsin FFA Center
P.O. Box 110
Spencer, WI 54479
Telephone: (715) 659-4807
For Immediate Release
www.wisconsinffa.org
Contact: Cheryl Zimmerman, State FFA Executive Director
Phone: 715-659-4807
Email: [email protected]
ORR WINS WISCONSIN FFA
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AWARD
MADISON, WIS. June 14, 2016-Garrett Orr from the Waupaca FFA Chapter was named the 2016 winner of the State FFA
Environmental Science Proficiency Award. This award recognizes the student who best demonstrates an understanding
of agriculture and environmental trends.
Orr grew up on his parent’s, Dean and Michelle Orr’s 117 acre sustainable farming operation. By mentoring with his
father, Garrett has learned that you can transform a farm through proper management of natural resources. Orr erects
temporary or permanent fences to prevent overgrazing and subsequent soil erosion. He can graze cattle and encourage
song birds, deer and small critters to flourish in the same area.
Garrett thins out poor trees allowing light to encourage underbrush, clovers and native grass to thrive for wildlife
habitats. Orr has planted reed canary grass around their spring fed pond for evaluating fish and water purity. He has
learned the art and science of balancing farming with conservation of our natural resources. Garrett has transformed a
conventional farm into a functional farm concentrating on water quality, agroforestry and maintaining abundant
wildlife. Orr states, “I understand how to involve mob grazing and multiple specie grazing into my organic pasture plan
utilizing all terrain in including under trees and in rocky areas”.
Majoring in Forest Management at UW Stevens Point offers an opportunity to learn to select, harvest and thin trees.
Garrett’s advisors are Jenifer Erb and Rene Lehman.
As a top state finalist in this award area Garrett receives a cash award made possible by state-level sponsorship from the
Jennie-O Turkey Store.
Orr will find out this summer if he is selected as one of four national finalists. If selected, Garrett will compete at the
National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. in October. The four finalists will each receive a plaque and scholarship
money thanks to national sponsorship by CHS.
The Wisconsin FFA Convention celebrates the accomplishments of the students, advisors and supporters. It hosts over 3,000
members, advisors and guests, representing 250 local agricultural education programs. This year’s convention was held June 13 to
16 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibition Hall in Madison, Wis.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is a leading student organization due to the efforts of more than 20,400 students across that state.
With a focus on premier leadership, personal growth and career success, students’ FFA activities complement agricultural classroom
instruction by giving them an opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge while gaining real-world experience. These activities
are dependent on donor funding through the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. For more information about Wisconsin FFA and the
Wisconsin FFA Foundation visit www.wisconsinffa.org or www.wisconsinffafoundation.org, become a fan of Wisconsin FFA
Foundation on Facebook, or call 715-659-4807.
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