WAA Sparks Student Interest at WI FFA Convention & Warrens Workshop

WAA Sparks Student Interest at WI FFA Convention & Warrens Workshop

The Wisconsin Auctioneers Association (WAA) recently made a big impression with FFA students through two exciting events: our exhibitor booth at the 2025 Wisconsin FFA State Convention and a hands-on Auctioneering Workshop held in Warrens, WI.

Record-Breaking Reach at State Convention

Held June 11th at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, this year’s WI FFA Convention welcomed over 4,500 students. This was a record attendance! WAA was represented by Carol Wagenson, Marty Griepentrog, and Bridget Siler, who engaged with students throughout the expo. Our booth was buzzing with activity, especially around our popular auction trivia wheel.

In just five hours, we collected general in signups from 92 students and advisors expressing interest in the Auctioneering CDE and gathered some eye-opening data:

• 82% of students have attended an auction
• 75% first learned about the Auctioneer CDE in the moment, at our booth
• Only 30% knew auctioneering could also be pursued as an SAE project

Personally, I found the percentage of students who had already been to an auction to be much higher than I anticipated. This shows strong baseline familiarity and a real connection to our industry. At the same time, the additional stats remind us that we have work to do in building further awareness—especially when it comes to auctioneering as a CDE and SAE opportunities. 

Respectfully, we’re grateful to the Wisconsin FFA for working alongside us to help share communication and build awareness; support that has been pivotal in these early stages of success. Still, it’s clear there is tremendous opportunity for expanded outreach to engage more students and advisors across the state. This response shows clear enthusiasm and an exciting opportunity to further introduce auctioneering as a viable, agriculture-connected career path.

Hands-On Learning in Warrens

The following week, in conjunction with the WAA Summer Event, we hosted a hands-on Auctioneering Workshop for FFA students in Warrens, WI. Led by Carol Wagenson, Bridget Siler, Jamie Back, and Marty Griepentrog, the session offered students a chance to try bid calling, learn about auction structure, and ask real-world questions about the profession. From chant work to hand signals, these students came ready to learn more about auctioneering and the CDE contest requirements.

What’s Next

We’re continuing to explore ways to keep the momentum going through additional outreach to FFA advisors and potential involvement in upcoming student leadership events this fall. We’re also working closely with Wisconsin FFA as development of the Auctioneer CDE progresses.

How can you help?
Start by connecting with your local FFA chapters and letting them know about the Auctioneer CDE contest event coming up in January. In addition to the contest, auctioneering can also be pursued as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, an option many students and advisors may not yet be aware of.

An SAE project can be a multi-year, learning experience that allows an FFA member to work immersively on a given focus area (in this case, the auction industry). Through this process, students log hours, gain experience, and build eligibility for awards and FFA degrees at the chapter, state, and even national levels. While different from hiring an intern, supporting a student in their SAE project is a two-way street: you as a WAA member can create an environment for leadership-minded youth to develop meaningful life and career skills, while giving them hands-on experience in the auction industry. If you want more information about this program opportunity, please connect with WAA WI FFA Auctioneer CDE Contest Committee Co-Chair, Bridget Siler at (715) 495-3780, via call or text.

And on a separate—and very exciting—note:
Congratulations again to Max Luedtke from the Beaver Dam FFA Chapter, our inaugural Auctioneering CDE contest winner, on being elected as a 2025–2026 Wisconsin State FFA Officer! This is a huge honor and testament to Max’s dedication to his leadership journey and FFA.

In conclusion, together, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our profession by investing in the next generation through these exciting opportunities available in our communities in conjunction with FFA. Thank you for your continued support as we grow awareness, build connections, and create meaningful opportunities for FFA students across Wisconsin.

Written and submitted by Bridget Siler, WAA WI FFA CDE Contest Committee Co-Chair