The 2023 Winner in Fruit Production is Natalie Hensen of the DeForest FFA. This proficiency is sponsored by the Wisconsin FFA Convention Partners.

For the past four years, Natalie has worked at Drumlin Ridge Winery, which grows 13 varieties of grapes on around 2,000 vines. At the winery, Natalie has had the opportunity to partake in every aspect of the vineyard, from growth to harvest, and even assisted in the production of wine from the grapes. The skills that Natalie has learned and applied have helped to further the health, resiliency, and fruit production of the vineyard.

Natalie’s advisors are Gwen Boettcher, Zeth Engel and Abbey Meffert.

We would like to recognize the state finalists in Fruit Production:

Second: Abigail Woller, Granton

Third: Katelyn Kramer, Mosinee

Hensen will find out this summer if she is selected as one of four national finalists. If selected, Natalie will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in November.