David Laatsch, retired Beaver Dam High School Agriculture teacher, has received the
Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Agriculture Educators.
During his 35-year career, Laatsch pioneered innovative agriscience curriculum that
focused on the science concepts taught in agriculture classes, enabling students to earn advanced
credits toward graduation and post-secondary education. He was named the first National Agri-
Science Teacher of the Year recipient and blazed the way for nearly all ag ed programs to
highlight their science focus.
As a member of a National FFA committee, Laatsch helped modernizing the
organization’s emblem, creed, ceremonies and symbols, making the organization accessible to a
wider range of students. He served two terms on the Wisconsin Association of Agriculture
Educators executive board and as its president. He was also a member of the Wisconsin FFA
Center Board of Directors for over 10 years.
During his tenure, 36 students received the American FFA Degree, 132 Wisconsin FFA
Degree, and dozens of state proficiency award, judging contest, speaking contest and creed
Speaking winners. The Beaver Dam chapter was an annual “Star Chapter.”
In retirement, he collects FFA memorabilia and the stories of those who owned them. “I
have over 100 FFA jackets, including Sweetheart, State Officer and jackets from inactive
chapters as well as thousands of pins and other items.”
He has written two books on the history of FFA and Ag Education. He continues to give
presentations on the origin, development and current status of the FFA to students, Alumni, and
ag industry groups. He judges poultry at county and state fairs and gives seminars to youth on
raising and showing exhibition poultry.
