The 89th National FFA Convention and Expo has wrapped up in Indianapolis and during the event the National Agricultural Proficiency Awards were handed out as eight members from Florida and Georgia were recipients.
From the National FFA Organization:
Agricultural Communications—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Bethany Niles—Oklahoma
Bethany Niles of the Fairview FFA Chapter in Oklahoma admits that her communication skills weren’t outstanding before joining FFA. But then she was elected chapter reporter and began “Doing to Learn.” She has maintained her chapter’s website, social media accounts and scrapbook. She has also made presentations at the local Lion’s Club and had the opportunity to promote her agriscience program on a regional radio station. Niles is supported by her parents, Nancy and Sid, and her FFA advisors, Jerrod Lundry and Vince McGolden. This award is sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.
Agricultural Education—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Austin Daniel Weaver—Virginia
Austin Daniel Weaver of the Strasburg FFA Chapter in Virginia has a supervised agricultural experience of several components – each circling around the idea that the public should be taught about agriculture. He developed a partnership with eight kindergarten classes to present monthly lessons about agriculture. He facilitated a PALS program for a fifth-grade class. And finally, he worked at Cornell University as a student assistant for the New York Ag in the Classroom program. Weaver is supported by his parents, Kathleen and Reuben, and his FFA advisors, Brian Fisher and Abbi Copp. This award is sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School.
Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Spencer Mitchell Wolter—Minnesota
Spencer Mitchell Wolter of the Windom FFA Chapter in Minnesota has always been fascinated by the idea of information and electricity traveling along simple wires. This interest has led him to work for a networking business in his area. His job has focused on researching and implementing new systems, in addition to troubleshooting old systems that aren’t working properly. Wolter is supported by his mother, Paula, and his FFA advisor, Darcy Dahna. This award is sponsored by Carry-On Trailer and Lincoln Electric.
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance—Entrepreneurship
Alexander D. Warmka—Minnesota
Alexander D. Warmka of the United South Central FFA Chapter in Wells, Minn., purchases antique tractors, repairing and restoring them to original condition for resale. He has worked on a 1600 and 1650 Olive, a 300 Farmall and a Dixon Lawnmower. Guided by his father and grandfather, he has learned to handle all repairs by himself. Warmka is supported by his parents, Tracy and Dean, and his FFA advisor, Dan Dylla. This award is sponsored by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and Briggs and Stratton Corporation, Inc.
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance—Placement
Brandon Anding—Wisconsin
Brandon Anding of the Granton FFA Chapter in Wisconsin began his SAE in the seventh grade by helping his father with garage door repairs and installations. At first, he wasn’t allowed to work with any power tools and merely helped with holding things in place. Now, he can install an entire door. In addition to this experience, Anding has also competed in the Chevron DELO Tractor Restoration Competition. He is supported by his parents, Chris and Curtis, and his FFA advisor, Cheryl Steinbach. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Agricultural Processing—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Mary Kaitlyn Wheeler—Georgia
Mary Kaitlyn Wheeler of the East Laurens FFA Chapter in East Dublin, Ga, processes honey from 15 hives in her apiary. Producing enough honey to let her process twice a year, she waits until 95 percent of the honeycomb on the frames have been filled to begin the endeavor. Wheeler sells the honey in mason jars, sanitizing and washing her processing equipment to ensure a safe, delicious final product. She is supported by her parents, Rebecca and Richard, and her FFA advisor, Kyle Harris. This award is sponsored by CHS.
Agricultural Sales—Entrepreneurship
Braden Warren Ifft—Illinois
Braden Warren Ifft of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Cullom, Ill., inherited his business from an older brother and sister. Selling all-natural, free-range eggs and turkey products, he operates his business in the greater Chicago area. He receives orders for eggs and turkey products on a weekly basis and contracts producers in his area to fill the orders. Ifft is supported by his parents, Julie and Tim, and his FFA advisor, Diana Loschen. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services.
Agricultural Sales—Placement
Maddison Taylor Caldwell—Illinois
Maddison Taylor Caldwell of the Elmwood FFA Chapter in Illinois works for Willoughby Sales, an online marketing and auction company specializing in the sale of show animals. With more than 40,000 registered bidders, she assists with sales in a variety of species, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, bison, dairy and horses. She walks buyers and sellers through the bidding process and works with the sale consignor to ensure that all minimums are correct. Caldwell is supported by her parents, Kim and William, and her FFA advisor, Tarasena Lafollette. This award is sponsored by Fastenal and Provimi North America, Inc.
Agricultural Services—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Rhett Michael Bain—Texas
Rhett Michael Bain of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has developed, marketed and implemented a smartphone application called StockStat. The app has changed the way people attend and watch stock shows and state fairs. Free to customers but sold as a yearly subscription to each show or fair, the app shows classes of participants. Bain is supported by his parents, Cindy and Mike, and his FFA advisors, Jeff Klose, Jaye Hawkins, D’Arcy Roberts and Jett Mason. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Agriscience Research—Animal Systems
Theresa E. Seibel—Virginia
Theresa E. Seibel of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter in Daleville, Va., is a third-generation producer with an interest in increasing efficiency and success of her family operation. Her research has been in the animal systems related to increasing the success rate of artificial insemination in heifer cattle with an end goal of maximizing the number of Angus offspring. Seibel is supported by her parents, Megan and Andy, and her FFA advisor, Stuart Byrd. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Agriscience Research—Integrated Systems
Hunter Ethan Corbett—Georgia
Hunter Ethan Corbett of the Lowndes County FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., has an SAE comprised of five research projects conducted over five years. He used the scientific method to solve environmental problems by proving a waste agricultural product known as cotton gin trash could have completely cleaned up the 2015 BP Oil Spill. Corbett plans to use these research skills and experiences to earn a medical degree in noninvasive cardiology at Emory University in Atlanta. He is supported by his parents, Tracy and James, and his FFA advisors, James Corbett, Michael Barnes and Quinton Hadsock. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Agriscience Research—Plant Systems
Mariah Joy Cox—Ohio
Mariah Joy Cox of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter in Chillicothe, Ohio, has participated in science fairs since the fourth grade and found that she enjoyed the scientific research process and sharing her results with the judges. Her SAE research has focused on three projects, all related to plant science. She first identified properties of potato starch and their applications to plant-based packaging. Secondly, she compared two varieties of raspberries in terms of phenolics and anthocyanins. And finally, she worked in a lab in Hyberabad, India, testing plots of vegetable soybeans. Cox is supported by her parents, Rachel and Paul, and her FFA advisors, Jennifer Johnston and Aaron Miller. This award is sponsored by FMC Corporation, Agricultural Solutions.
Beef Production—Entrepreneurship
Curtis Mathew Harsh—Ohio
Curtis Mathew Harsh of the Buckeye Valley FFA Chapter in Delaware, Ohio, was mentored at a young age by his father and grandfather, learning how to feed, breed, show, and manage beef cattle. Today, he has an SAE that is divided into three entities: cows and calves, embryos and show heifers and replacements. With his cattle, he became the youngest exhibitor at the Ohio State Fair Market Beef Show to win the Showman of Showman Contest. Harsh is supported by his parents, Michele and David, and his FFA advisor, Alex Zimmer. This award is sponsored by Bayer and Rabo AgriFinance.
Beef Production—Placement
Kaine Warnken—Texas
Kaine Warnken of the Schulenburg FFA Chapter in Texas works on his family’s ranch, raising purebred Herford cattle and F1 Tiger Stripe and Black Baldie replacement heifers. When he began on the ranch, his jobs were simple ones, such as cleaning water troughs and hauling hay. Today, he handles everything from dehorning to artificially inseminating. Warnken hopes to one day take over the family operation. He is supported by his parents, Sandra and Kevin, and his FFA advisors, Brad Lux, Shaye Beasley and Amy Hartment. This award is sponsored by Midwest PMS and Red Brand.
Dairy Production—Entrepreneurship
Sabrina L. Portner—Minnesota
Sabrina L. Portner of the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter in Minnesota raises and breeds her own dairy cattle. Receiving her first calf when she was 7, she currently owns a herd of 27 registered Brown Swiss cattle. She has used pedometers to increase heat observations and has conducted a milk quality research project with her herd that has allowed her to discover which mastitis organisms are affecting her cows. Portner is supported by her parents, Mary and Tom, and her FFA advisor, Mary Hoffman. This award is sponsored by New Holland.
Dairy Production—Placement
Erica Lynn Helmer—Wisconsin
Erica Lynn Helmer of the Plymouth FFA Chapter in Wisconsin is the seventh generation to work on the family farm, made up of 165 head of registered Holstein dairy cattle, 70 milking cows, 15 dry cows, 40 replacement heifers, and 40 young stock. In addition to milking and caring for the cows, Helmer shows the dairy cattle through 4-H. She has grown to learn about genetics used to improve the herd and milk productivity. She is supported by his parents, Lynn and John, and her FFA advisors, Tracy Heinbuch and Samantha Finger. This award is sponsored by Kuhn North America and Nasco.
Diversified Agricultural Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kalyn Cheyenne George—Kansas
Kalyn Cheyenne George of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Altamont, Kan., has a placement SAE working for a livestock and crop operation. There, she helps work 1,800 acres of row crop, 200 head of cow/calf pairs, and 1,200 head of stocker calves. She is responsible for feeding, doctoring and processing both the stocker and weaning calves. George also rakes and bales hay, hauls straw bales and performs routine maintenance on machinery. She is supported by her father, Tim, and her FFA advisors, Jeff Falkenstein, Jim Gilpin, Dustin Wiley and Kyle Zwahlen. This award is sponsored by Ram Trucks.
Diversified Crop Production—Entrepreneurship
Adam Joseph Eichacker—South Dakota
Adam Joseph Eichacker of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in Salem, S.D., rents 82 acres of tillable land from his neighbor. Bartering equipment from his father in return for labor, he grows soybeans and corn on the rented acreage. His endeavors in production agriculture began seven years ago when his grandfather gave him the opportunity to farm seven acres. Since that time, he’s learned how to run a successful operation. Eichacker is supported by his parents, Cathy and Steve, and his FFA advisors, Terry Rieckmana and Tracy Chase. This award is sponsored by CHS.
Diversified Crop Production—Placement
Colin Drew Wegner—Minnesota
Colin Drew Wegner of the United South Central FFA Chapter in Wells, Minn., works on his family farm, producing 3,000 acres of corn and 2,000 acres of soybeans. They also round bale 800 six-foot hay bales, selling them to local farmers. He started working on the farm when he was 8 years old, helping with cattle chores and riding in the combine with his grandfather. Now, Wegner operates all the equipment and is involved in all areas of production. He is supported by his parents, Shannon and Eric, and his FFA advisor, Dan Dylla. This award is sponsored by National Crop Insurance Services and Valent USA Corporation.
Diversified Horticulture—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Zachary Olson—Wisconsin Zachary Olson of the Adams Friendship FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his brother’s lawn care business, performing tasks like mowing, raking and fall cleanup. When his brother left for college, he took on more responsibility that included learning how to lay brick, construct retaining walls, install underground irrigation systems and hydroseed. Olson is supported by his parents, Donna and Brian, and his FFA advisor, Becky Grabarski. This award is sponsored by The Toro Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.
Diversified Livestock Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Ross Blattner—Idaho
Ross Blattner of the Kuna FFA Chapter in Idaho has an SAE project with 57 registered Suffolk ewes and three registered Suffolk stud rams. He’s chosen the Suffolk breed because of their superior milking and mothering ability. He’s also raised 19 market heifers. Blattner raises the heifers to market weight before selling them to buyers. He is supported by his parents, Lori and Jack, and his FFA advisors, Shawn Dygert, Joe Blackstock, Travis Edward and Allison Touchstone. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation.
Environmental Science and Natural Resources—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Joshua Matthew Randall—Indiana
Joshua Matthew Randall of the Danville FFA Chapter in Indiana has partnered with the local Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District. Working in the field, he collected and interpreted data and conducted outreach through natural resource legislation and proposals. Randall has also been instrumental in the creation of a habitat and wildlife learning center located at the middle school. He is supported by his parents, Tamara and Darrel, and his FFA advisor, Duane Huge. This award is sponsored by CHS.
Equine Science—Entrepreneurship
Caleb Sloan McMillan—Washington
For most of his life, Caleb Sloan McMillan of the Wilson Creek FFA Chapter in Washington has been training horses for rodeos and other equine events. He has trained for steer wrestling, calf roping and team roping. When he began learning about horses, his duties were restricted to feeding. Today, he manages all aspects of the operation, including feeding, medical checkups, fencing and tagging. McMillan is supported by his parents, Lynette and Mark, and his FFA advisor, Scott Mortimer. This award is sponsored by Red Brand.
Equine Science—Placement
Joel Micheal Huff—Indiana
Joel Micheal Huff of the Benton Central FFA Chapter in Oxford, Ind., has an SAE that focuses on the production of Belgian draft horses for breeding and show purposes. Working for his grandparents, he helps the operation breed 12 mares each year and produce 30 acres of hay. Huff hopes to take over the family operation in the future. He is supported by his parents, Michelle and Lee, and his FFA advisor, Amanda Mullins. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Elizabeth Wilts—Minnesota
Elizabeth Wilts of the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg KMS FFA Chapter in Minnesota began her SAE in 2011 by renting 10 acres of land to grow a crop of soybeans. In the five years, her production has quadrupled, and she’s developed the skills to coordinate all aspects of the operation: financial planning, record keeping, machinery maintenance and more. Wilts utilizes no-till methods in her soybean production. She is supported by her parents, Gina and Harmon, and her FFA advisor, Christa Williamson. This award is sponsored by Bunge North America.
Food Science and Technology—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Marissa LeeAnn Davis-Arkansas Marissa LeeAnn Davis of the Har-Ber FFA Chapter in Arkansas has worked closely with a food technologist for her SAE. In that relationship, she has learned to grade beef carcass, poultry and eggs. In her position as a sensory analyst intern at Tyson Foods, Inc., Davis also tested new food products in the product development process. She is supported by her parents, Tara and Mike, and her FFA advisors, Patti Priest, Seth Jones, Allison Stamps and David Duncan. This award is sponsored by Pilgrim’s.
Forage Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Wade S. Reiter—Virginia
Wade S. Reiter of the Dinwiddie Senior FFA Chapter in Virginia works for his family farming operation. His jobs include assisting with cutting and baling hay, loading wagons, and stacking hay in the barn. He’s responsible for checking the hay in order to cut it at the proper stage, as well as observing weather reports. The hay is sold to local livestock and horse owners, in addition to local retailers and larger accounts, such as Southern States. Reiter is supported by his parents, Naomi and James, and his FFA advisors, Cindy Blaha and Laurel Bishop. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization.
Forest Management and Products—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Stephen Grant Dorris—Tennessee
Stephen Grant Dorris of the Scotts Hill FFA Chapter in Reagan, Tenn., works at Volner Sawmill and has had the opportunity to see varying aspects of the industry. From a young age, he has been exposed to the harvesting phase, riding and operating the skidders and feller bunchers as a child. But it wasn’t until 2012 when he learned the milling side of the industry. That year, he was hired as a forklift driver, requiring him to feed the mill with logs as well as sort and stack the logs that were being unloaded from the log trucks. Dorris hopes to become an owner and operator of the mill eventually. He is supported by his parents, Cathy and Stephen, and his FFA advisor, Chris Cherry. This award is sponsored by John Deere.
Fruit Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Callie Brooke Warren—Georgia
Callie Brooke Warren of the Lowndes County FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., works on her family farm, helping to produce, process and market 50 acres of blueberries. Beginning her placement, she was given simple tasks like mowing between the rows to prevent the grass and weeds from over-growing the blueberry plants. Eventually, she took on more such as spraying herbicide, keeping records, and learning how to operate the necessary equipment. Warren is supported by her parents, Amy and Kevin, and her FFA advisors, Dr. James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Michael Barnes. This award is sponsored by the DuPont Company.
Goat Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Mckenzie Brooke Torrance—Oklahoma
Mckenzie Brooke Torrance of the Cheyenne FFA Chapter in Oklahoma started her goat production operation when she was 9 years old. That year, she purchased, exhibited and bred her first show doe. Her goal is to produce high-quality wethers and does capable of competing at county, district, state, and national shows. Torrance has grown her herd mostly from show does she has retained to exhibit herself. Currently, her herd consists of 14 mature does and three raised show does. She is supported by her parents, Jamie and Nathan, and her FFA advisor, Tanner Thompson. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Grain Production—Entrepreneurship
Andrew E. Streff—South Dakota
Andrew E. Streff of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in Salem, S.D., persuaded his parents to rent him land to undertake his own agricultural endeavor. Starting with 10 acres in 2013 and working his way up to 60 acres last year, he grows corn. In addition to purchasing his own seed, fertilizer, herbicides, insurance, fuel and other supplies, he follows grain market trends to ensure he receives a good price for his corn. He is supported by his parents, Julie and Eugene, and his FFA advisors, Terry Rieckman and Tracy Chase. This award is sponsored by Valent USA Corporation.
Grain Production—Placement
Josh J. Anderson—Wisconsin
Josh J. Anderson of the Wisconsin Dells FFA Chapter in Wisconsin developed an interest in tractors at a young age. When he started actually driving, he was allowed to chop stalks in the fall. As he became older, he was given more responsibilities including planting corn and combining on his father’s farm. Anderson looks forward to eventually becoming a production agriculturalist. He is supported by his parents, Gina and Mark, and his FFA advisor, Dawn Gonzalez. This award is sponsored by BASF.
Home and/or Community Development—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Clay Alan Burkham—Texas
Clay Alan Burkham of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has three facets to his service repertoire. He has been a four-year member of the local junior fire explores program, learning to prevent and fight both residential and wild fires. He has helped his father rebuild homes for low-income families in their community. And finally, he mows lawns for 15 elderly individuals who would otherwise be charged by the city due to their inability to mow themselves. Burkham is supported by his parents, Angela and Bob, and his FFA advisors, Jeff Klose, Jaye Hawkins, D’Arcy Roberts and Jeff Mason. This award is sponsored by Carhartt, Inc.
Landscape Management—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Ethan Sacket—Oklahoma
Ethan Sacket of the Fairview FFA Chapter in Oklahoma and his brother were the ones neighbors went to when they wanted their lawn mowed in their hometown. Those endeavors expanded into a fully functioning landscaping and lawn care business. He owns a zero-turn mower, two push mowers, two weed eaters, a leaf blower, lawn tools, and a trailer to haul equipment. Sacket has also learned invaluable lessons about business management and customer service. He is supported by his parents, Ruth and Gary, and his FFA advisors, Jerrod Lundry and Vince McGolden. This award is sponsored by John Deere and Tractor Supply Company.
Nursery Operations—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brandon Livingston—Illinois
Brandon Livingston of the Bushnell Prairie City FFA Chapter in Illinois works at a local plant nursery. He seeds, plants, transplants, moves, hauls and cares for annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees throughout the year. He has been licensed by the state of Illinois as a pesticide operator to spray chemicals and has learned to operate the cash register for sales. Livingston is supported by his parents, Michelle and Shad, and his FFA advisor, Steve Sargeant. This award is sponsored Nufarm & Valent USA Corporation.
Outdoor Recreation—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Taylor Price—Texas
Taylor Price of the Pilot Point FFA Chapter in Texas started working for Texas Parks and Wildlife the summer after her freshman year. Her job is multi-faceted, requiring her to wear many hats. She has learned to be a receptionist, a banker, a marketer, a salesperson, a scientist, an environmentalist, and more. One of her projects included creating a marketing brochure that described the history of the park, its ecosystems, wildlife and more. Price is supported by her parents, Angie and Paul, and her FFA advisors, Tammy Glasscock, Randy Glasscock and Casey Brinlee. This award is sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA.
Poultry Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Daniel A. Dobbs—Georgia
Daniel A. Dobbs of the Franklin County FFA Chapter in Carnesville, Ga., works on a small family-owned poultry operation managing four 500-square-feet broiler houses. His objective is to produce birds that will grow efficiently and remain healthy. Prior to the arrival of the birds, he prepares the facilities by de-caking litter, sanitizing the facilities, and putting out the feed trays and adjusting the drinker lines to the proper level. Dobbs works with on average 28,500 birds for seven weeks at a time. He is supported by his mother, Tara, and his FFA advisors, Cale Watkins, Eric Hickox, Anna Watkins and Owen Thomason. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.
Sheep Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brant A. Francis—Missouri
Brant A. Francis of the Paris FFA Chapter in Missouri began his project as soon as he could pack a bucket and fill a feed pan. He began by purchasing two Southdown ewe lambs. Docking tails, drying newborns by the wood stove and bottle feeding orphans was part of his hands-on learning process. He retains quality lambs for his own flock or markets them to exhibitors. Lambs not suited for breeding are marketed through the local sale barn. Francis is supported by his parents, Barb and Tony, and his FFA advisors, Josh Bondy and Teresa Briscoe. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Small Animal Production and Care—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Taylor Alexander Williams—Texas
When Taylor Alexandar Williams of the Dawson FFA Chapter in Texas inherited a breeding rabbit operation from his mother and uncle, he developed a passion for the practice. He exhibits market rabbits generated through his breeding herd as well as selling market show rabbits across the state and cull rabbits to a local USDA buyer. Williams is supported by his parents, Tammy and Donald, and his FFA advisors, Mike Littrell and Michelle Sammon. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Specialty Animal Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jake Keith Bobo—Oregon
Jake Keith Bobo of the Baker FFA Chapter in Baker City, Ore., has been doing his SAE since the third grade. As a fourth-generation beekeeper, he bought his first pallet of bees with money he got from mowing lawns. In one year, his bees travel from California to Idaho to Washington and on to Montana before returning to Oregon. Bobo sells the honey he extracts before ending a production year with his bees. He is supported by his parents, Carolyn and Keith, and his FFA advisor, Bibiana Gifft. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Specialty Crop Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Landon Herring—Georgia
Landon Herring of the Lowndes County FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., produces flue-cured tobacco in a placement SAE. Learning how to grow tobacco from his grandfather, he has set up tobacco beds and applied nitrogen and fertilizer, and operated the tobacco combine. Herring has also learned to prevent parasites and diseases that stunt the growth or survival of the tobacco leaves. He is supported by his parents, Lisa and Joey, and his FFA advisors, James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Michael Lee Barnes. This award is sponsored by National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Swine Production—Entrepreneurship
Nole Gerfen—Ohio
Nole Gerfen of the Ridgemont FFA Chapter in Mt. Victory, Ohio, purchased his first gilt at the age of 9 and today owns 25 sows that farrow two and a half times each year, producing 11 pigs per litter. On his farm, he is charged with synchronizing sows, ultrasounding, the administration and recording of medication and more. In addition to his own sows, he manages his parents’ 2,480 sows. Gerfen is supported by his parents, Kim and Steve, and his FFA advisor, Stephanie Jolliff. This award is sponsored by LA-CO Markal.
Swine Production—Placement
William Murdock Wynn—Georgia
William Murdock Wynn of the Colquitt County FFA Chapter in Norman Park, Ga., works on his family’s farrow-to-wean operation that has grown to 2,500 sows. He manages the breeding of the sows, cares for them during gestation and farrowing, and then cares for the pigs until they are weaned at 21 days of age and shipped to a nursery. Wynn knows so much about the operation that he is now able to train new employees. He is supported by his parents, Penny and Ronnie, and his FFA advisors, Adrienne Smith, Stacy Beacham, Steve Bass and Gene Hart. This award is sponsored by Provimi North America, Inc.
Turf Grass Management—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Travis Robert Winans—Illinois
Travis Robert Winans of the Taylorville FFA Chapter in Illinois is the owner of his own lawn care operation. Each customer can have him mow, trim, edge, and clean off driveways and walkways. He began his service in 2013 with eight customers. Just two years later, he had 29 different customers that he serviced weekly. To maintain this increase, he has developed skills in marketing and advertising, maintaining equipment, and business management. Winans is supported by his parents, Michelle O’Brien and Ben Winans , and his FFA advisors, Sue Schafer and Monte Elvidge. This award is sponsored by John Deere.
Vegetable Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Garrett Hershel Harrell—Georgia
Garrett Hershel Harrell of the Colquitt County FFA Chapter in Norman Park, Ga., works at a 600-acre produce farm, growing several varieties of tomatoes. As a fifth-generation agriculturalist, he handles all steps of production from transplantation in the field to the harvest. Harrell mows, plants, lays plastic, sprays chemicals and harvests eight months each year in the Georgia warmth. He is supported by his mother, Julie, and his FFA advisors, Steve Bass, Stacey Beacham, Gene Hart and Adrienne Smith. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.
Veterinary Science—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Lillian Rose Rodicio—Florida
Lillian Rose Rodicio of the Ferguson Senior FFA Chapter in Miami, Fla., has worked as an intern at local vet clinics for the past five years. When she began her internship, she was little more than an observer. After learning the ropes of the office, she was trusted with more complex procedures like running blood tests and giving injections. She eventually had the opportunity to groom and care for the horses and geldings without supervision. Rodicio plans to continue working in a vet clinic while enrolled in college. She is supported by her parents, Ileana and Alejandro, and her FFA advisors, Erin Abramoff and Laura Sandoval. This award is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Wildlife Production and Management—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Tyler Stewart—Ohio
Tyler Stewart of the East Clinton FFA Chapter in Lees Creek, Ohio, owns and operates his own quail hunting facility. He is involved in every aspect of the operation – from hatching chicks to releasing the adult quail into a rehabilitated habitat. Starting his business with 300 quail eggs, he currently has more than 2,000 quail that produce an excess of 30,000 eggs. Stewart is supported by his parents, Tracy and Rich, and his FFA advisor, Matt Griffith. This award is sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA.