Winners of the 2015 National Agricultural Proficiency Awards were announced on Friday, Oct. 30 during the sixth general session at the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo. Awards were given in 49 categories.
AGRICULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
REBEKAH NICOLE AANERUD-MINNESOTA
During a state discussion meet, Rebekah Aanerud of the Morris Area FFA Chapter in Minnesota had the idea to start a radio program to increase public awareness of agriculture. After being connected to the local radio station by her FFA advisor, she eventually began writing, researching and recording "Ag Blast," a program that broadcasts two Saturdays each month and discusses current events in agriculture. Aanerud also interviews farmers and agribusiness owners for the broadcast. She is supported by her parents, Heather and Andrew, and her FFA advisors, Natasha Mortenson and Nick Milbrandt. This award is sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
ASHLEY CAROL ZIMMERMAN-WISCONSIN
Since both of her parents earned degrees in agricultural education, there was a good chance that the passion would rub off on Ashley Carol Zimmerman of the Spencer FFA Chapter in Wisconsin. She has always enjoyed assisting in the classroom, doing everything from developing educational materials to creating curriculum to teach elementary school students about the importance of agriculture. Zimmerman, who plans on becoming an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor, has also coached FFA Creed speaking and prepared public speaking. She is supported by her parents, Cheryl and Mark, who is also her FFA advisor. This award is sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS DESIGN AND FABRICATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
JOHN DAVID SHEPPARD-GEORGIA
John David Sheppard of the Screven County FFA Chapter in Sylvania, Ga., works with his father drilling freshwater wells and installing and servicing water pumps in agricultural, commercial and residential areas. During his employment, he's learned to install submersible pumps, set up water systems and troubleshoot service calls. Sheppard is supported by his parents, Joy and Johnny, and his FFA advisors, Nancy Sell, Brandon White and Julie Anna Boyd. This award is sponsored by Carry-On Trailer.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS ENERGY SYSTEMS ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
ERIK LOVVORN-GEORGIA
Erik Lovvorn of the Bowdon FFA Chapter in Georgia works at his family business as an electrician. He does thermal imaging and electrical work at local plants and industries. Through his supervised agricultural experience (SAE), he has learned to run and cut conduit, pull wire, terminate motors and control panels, and more. Lovvorn is supported by his parents, Anne and Max, and his FFA advisor, Ryan Ayers. This award is sponsored by Lincoln Electric and Parker.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
ZACH HASTING-OHIO
Zach Hasting of the Covington FFA Chapter in Ohio got his start in his SAE by working alongside his father and grandfather. Starting his own business, he purchases damaged antique tractors before repairing and restoring them. He has worked with hydraulic transmissions, clutch systems, electrical systems, distributors magnetos and coolant systems. Hasting is supported by his father, Mark, and his FFA advisor, Jessica Helsinger. This award is sponsored by Briggs and Stratton Corporation, Inc.
AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE-PLACEMENT
KELLIE MAE EINCK-IOWA
While some young girls play dress-up, Kellie Mae Einck of the South O'Brien FFA Chapter in Paulina, Iowa, was learning about horsepower and torque traveling the country with her truck driver father. Taking what she learned from her father, Einck completed a degree in diesel technology while still in high school. She has learned welding and fabrication, intake and exhaust systems and more. She is supported by her parents, Lee and Paul, and her FFA advisor, Erik Kumm. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Universal Technical Institute.
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
MAGGIE HOVERMALE-OHIO
Maggie Hovermale of the Westfall FFA Chapter in Williamsport, Ohio, is employed at a local honey operation where she processes honey, beeswax and bee pollen. She is involved in all aspects of the processing operation, including production, packing, storage and sales. After working at farmers markets every weekend for a summer, her superior customer service skills and product knowledge created enough buzz around the products to boost sales for the farm by seven percent. She has learned that processing high-quality products takes hard work, practice and dedication. She is supported by her parents, Dan and Joy, and her FFA advisors, Rick Metzger and Rachel Scior. This award is sponsored by CHS and Sealed Air Corporation.
AGRICULTURAL SALES-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
MEGAN M. TRANTHAM-OKLAHOMA
A member of the Boise City FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, Megan M. Trantham owns and operates a livestock show feed distribution business called Trantham Feed. What started as a small local feed business quickly grew to a business that supplies feed, additives, as well as supplements so that customers can choose from a range of protein and fat content. She has expanded her market reach from six local clients to more than 60 clients in five states. Owning a show feed business has given Trantham a new perspective on the feed and show industry that will aid her as a future agricultural education teacher. She is supported by her parents, Brent and Angela. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services.
AGRICULTURAL SALES-PLACEMENT
COLLIN DUNAWAY-OHIO
As a longtime customer of Taulbee Feed and Suppy, Collin Dunaway from the Felicity Franklin FFA Chapter in Ohio jumped at the chance to work there during his freshman year. This position allowed him to develop computer skills, practice superior customer service and learn sales techniques. He also increased his knowledge of feed and nutrition, which will allow him to improve animal health and nutrition in his own cattle herd. He is supported by his parents, Todd and Shawnna, and his FFA advisor, Holly Jennings. This award is sponsored by Fastenal and Provimi North America.
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
DEREK STEVEN HIGHT-SOUTH DAKOTA
After helping out on his family's farm from a young age, Derek Steven Hight of the Viborg-Hurley FFA Chapter in South Dakota decided to purchase a baler to launch his own custom baling business. He has a hard time keeping up with the demand now, adding another baler and hiring his first employee in 2014. Hight hopes to use the profits of his business to pay for college and eventually own his own farm. He is supported by his parents, Mark and Alice, and his FFA advisor, John Rist. This award is sponsored by TransCanada.
Agriscience Research-Animal Systems
Lori Elizabeth Edwards-Georgia
After conducting beef cattle estrus experiments for three years, Lori Elizabeth Edwards of the Sonoraville FFA Chapter in Calhoun, Ga., found that the natural estrus cycle was the most cost-effective breeding protocol. These results will inform decisions in her herd of 30 commercial cattle. She also shared the results with cattle producers at Georgia Cattleman's Association meetings, high school students and elementary school students. Edwards believes her increased knowledge of cattle breeding and the scientific method will benefit her future career as an agriculture educator. She is supported by her parents, Todd and Amy, and her FFA advisors, Sara Clark and Trish Williams. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Agriscience Research-Integrated Systems
Caleb J. Brannon-Kentucky
Caleb J. Brannon of the Calloway County FFA Chapter in Kentucky is the owner and operator of Brannon AgriEnergy, a business that grows, researches, and markets switchgrass and other experimental bioenergy crops. Although he has partnered with his local extension agent, seed company representatives and energy crop companies, he was solely responsible for the management of the fields, from planting to harvesting. Brannon intends to pursue agronomy in college and will continue to grow Brannon AgriEnergy. He is supported by his parents, Tony and Lisa, and his FFA advisors, Bill Sampson and Jacob Falwell. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
Agriscience Research-Plant Systems
Chance Cain Hingson-Georgia
While walking through his school greenhouse, Chance Cain Hingson of the Lowndes High FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., noticed interesting differences in plants of the same species. This prompted him to launch numerous research projects, one of which looked at the effects of environmental factors on blueberry plants. He found that high tunnels can increase the sugar and antioxidant content of blueberries. The research skills he gained will help Hingson pursue a career as a doctor of radiology and continue working on his family farm. He is supported by her parents, Heath and Jaimi, and his FFA advisors, Dr. James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Michael Barnes. This award is sponsored by FMC.
BEEF PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KYLIE JAYNE PATTERSON-TEXAS
Kylie Jayne Patterson of the East Central FFA Chapter in San Antonio, Texas, was not born into the cattle industry. Even so, her desire to be involved in the future of the industry prompted her to start a purebred herd of Brahman cattle. She strives to raise high-quality genetics, provide for Texas markets and make her cattle operation self sufficient. She also seeks to bridge the gap between agrarian society and rural America and has made more than 20 public appearances with her cattle to connect the public to agriculture. She is supported by her parents, Daniel and Lorie. This award is sponsored by Bayer Animal Health and Rabo AgriFinance.
BEEF PRODUCTION-PLACEMENT
TYLER WOODROW NELSON-TEXAS
Tyler Woodrow Nelson of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas works at Nelson and Son's Cattle Feeders, a 16,000-head capacity beef cattle feed yard owned by his grandfather and father. As the assistant manager, he is in charge of record keeping, feed rations and employee relations. He also helped to plan and implement the expansion of the operation from 12,000 to 16,000 head capacity. Nelson intends to pursue a doctorate in ruminant nutrition and become a beef cattle nutritionist. He is supported by his parents, Justin and Tami, and his FFA advisors, Jeff Klose and Jeff Sherman. This award is sponsored by Midwest PMS LLC and Red Brand.
DAIRY PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KAILA WUSSOW-WISCONSIN
Kaila Wussow of the Bonduel FFA Chapter in Wisconsin received her first Jersey calf around the time of her first birthday. Since then, she has strived to raise animals that do well both in and out of the show ring. Her cattle have been recognized at national shows for their type and production abilities, and she is grateful for the large network of cattle enthusiasts that she has gained by showing cattle. She is supported by her parents, Ronald and Nicolle, and her FFA advisor, Doug Raymakers. This award is sponsored by New Holland.
DAIRY PRODUCTION-PLACEMENT
KATERRI ANN SCHMITMEYER-OHIO
Katerri Ann Schmitmeyer of the Versailles FFA Chapter in Ohio is a dairy herdsman at Line-View Dairy Farm, her father's dairy operation. The farm currently consists of 270 dairy cows, 100 dairy heifers, 300 dairy steers and 1,200 acres of crops. Schmitmeyer is involved in all aspects of the operation, including milking, feeding, vaccinating, vaccination and supervising employees. After obtaining a degree in agribusiness, she plans to return to her family's farm. She is supported by her parents, Douglas and Brenda Schmitmeyer, and her FFA advisor, Dena Wuebker. This award is sponsored by Kuhn North America and Nasco.
DIVERSIFIED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
RILEY A. LEWIS-INDIANA
Riley A. Lewis of the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter in Lagrange, Ind., started working on his family's dairy and crop farm, Lewis Century Stock Farm, at the age of 8. Since then, he has increased his responsibilities to include driving the tractor, doing crop work, researching irrigation options and managing employees. He now owns eight cows and 10 heifers. Lewis hopes to own and operate his own dairy herd in the future. He is supported by his parents, Brian and Debbie, and his FFA advisors, Ron Noll and Ben Leu. This award is sponsored by Ram Trucks.
DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
EVAN SCHAEFER-OHIO
Evan Schaefer of the Miami Trace FFA Chapter in Ohio went from seven acres of sweet corn to 513 acres of diversified crops in the third year of his SAE project. This land acquisition increased his net worth by $136,000. The new acreage is divided equally into corn and soybean rotational production systems, which allows him to experiment with new farming practices that can break through yield barriers. He looks forward to continuing to expand his operation in the future. He is supported by his parents, Tim and Mary Jo, and his FFA advisors, Bruce Bennett and Tracy Dendinger. This award is sponsored by CHS.
DIVERSIFIED CROP PRODUCTION-PLACEMENT
DEREK W. NEUHOFF-INDIANA
DerekW. Neuhoff's father told him that when you enjoy what you are doing, it won't seem like work. A member of the Southridge FFA Chapter in Huntingburg, Ind., Neuhoff decided to follow in the footsteps of his father in growing and sustaining the family farm. They plant and harvest wheat, soybeans, corn and grain sorghum, which has deepened Neuhoff's passion to learn more about crop production. He will attend Purdue University to study agricultural systems management and agribusiness. He is supported by his parents, Harold and Brenda, and his FFA advisor, Susan Wagner. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services and National Crop Insurance Services.
DIVERSIFIED HORTICULTURE-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
STONE L. HAYDEN-KANSAS
Stone L. Hayden of the Chapman FFA Chapter in Kansas has owned a landscape business since he was 12 years old. While he started mowing lawns for neighbors, he now works as a cemetery groundskeeper and cares for the grass, removes old flowers, and trims around headstones. When other people heard about his work at the cemetery, he received additional contracts to provide landscaping services. He has installed landscaping beds, planted trees and shrubs and provided basic pruning services. He is supported by his parents, Ted and Joan, and his FFA advisors, Trenton Horn and Walter Pitts. This award is sponsored by The Toro Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.
DIVERSIFIED LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
NOLE GERFEN-OHIO
The main memories from childhood Nole Gerfen has are of riding farm equipment with his parents. A member of the Ridgement FFA Chapter in Ridgeway, Ohio, he now participates in the family farm by raising commercial breeding swine, finisher hogs, breeding sheep, roaster lambs, market steers and beef breeding heifers. The diversity of his project is a risk management strategy that allows one livestock species to compensate for another when the market is low. His ultimate goal is to become a successful cattleman. He is supported by his parents, Steve and Kim, and his FFA advisor, Stephanie Jolliff. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation.
EMERGING AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
IAN BENNETT-GEORGIA
Ian Bennett of the Lowndes FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., developed a handheld temperature measurement device to remotely sense the temperature of livestock. He saw the need for such a device while working on his family's farm, noticing that the traditional rectal thermometer was inefficient for farm workers and stressful for cattle. Bennett has developed a prototype design that he hopes to market in the future and eventually sell to farmers. He is supported by his parents, Marshall and Mary Beth, and FFA advisors, Dr. James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Michael Barnes. This award is sponsored by BASF.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
SARAH ELIZABETH SPRADLIN-GEORGIA
When Sarah Elizabeth Spradlin's mother became sick during her freshman year, she wanted to know why so that she could find a solution. A member of the Madison County FFA Chapter in Danielsville, Ga., Spradlin decided to research whether farmers were polluting the local water supply. Her research showed that most nonpoint source pollution did not come from farms. She found herself becoming an advocate for agricultural literacy, sharing her research at agriscience fairs on the local, state, and national level, and with community groups. She is supported by her parents, Philip and Christy, and her FFA advisors, Trisha Lastly, Cindy Jones, Josh White and Katherine Bell. This award is sponsored by CHS.
EQUINE SCIENCE-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
KAINE WARNKEN-TEXAS
Kaine Warnken of the Schulenburg FFA Chapter in Texas has worked on his roping skills for years, and his dedication to the rodeo industry is starting to pay off. He now selects and trains horses on his own, and his herd has grown to seven horses. Striving to provide superior customer service skills, he works hard to always communicate effectively with his clients. His superior roping skills landed him a full scholarship to Wharton Jr. College as a team roper. He is supported by his parents, Kevin and Sandra, and his FFA advisors, Brad Lux, Shaye Beasley and Amy Hartman. This award is sponsored by Red Brand.
EQUINE SCIENCE-PLACEMENT
MOLLY ELIZABETH SCHWISTER-WISCONSIN
A member of the Lodi FFA Chapter in Wisconsin, Molly Elizabeth Schwister started her project at her grandparents' Arabian horse training farm when she was five. She currently attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and works at an Arabian horse training farm near school. Her duties include giving lessons to youth riders as well as training, conditioning and feeding the horses. By competing in national horse judging contests, she won a full scholarship to the Arabian Horse Judges School, and she looks forward to becoming a professional judge. She is supported by her parents, Michael and Laura, and her FFA advisor, Glenda Crook.This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
FIBER AND/OR OIL CROP PRODUCTION ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
ANDREW EUGENE STREFF-SOUTH DAKOTA
When Andrew Eugene Streff of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in Salem, S.D., first began helping his father on the farm, he could only run a tractor. Now Streff is able to help with planting, tilling, scouting and harvesting. His passion for agriculture has taught him to manage his time wisely, as he frequently works late into the night to complete his homework after chores. He is supported by his parents, Eugene and Julie, and his FFA advisors, Terry Reickman and Tracy Chase. This award is sponsored by Bunge North America and Kraft Heinz Company.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
STEPHANIE A.THIEL-WISCONSIN
Stephanie A. Thiel of the Plymouth FFA Chapter in Wisconsin worked as a youth apprentice in the microbiology lab of Johnsonville Sausage LLC. She assisted microbiologists and chemists with their daily operations, gaining a better understanding of the bio-security measures behind the food processing industry. She was also a member of her FFA chapter's national-qualifying milk quality and products CDE team. Thiel's goal is to become a food scientist and keep the food supply healthy and safe for all. She is supported by her parents, Steve and Sheila, and her FFA advisors, Walter Taylor and Tracy Heinbuch. This award is sponsored by Pilgrim's Pride Corporation.
FORAGE PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
BAILEY WILSON-TEXAS
Bailey Wilson of the Pilot Point FFA Chapter in Texas has been tinkering with things on his family's operation, K&L Farms, since he was old enough to walk. These days he participates in mowing and weed eating, cutting, raking, baling and mowing hay. K&L Farms currently produces 1,500 acres of sudan and bermuda pastures that are baled yearly. After obtaining degrees in animal science and agronomy, Wilson intends to return home and become a self-employed farmer. He is supported by his parents, Terry and Cindy, and FFA advisors, Tammy Glascock and Randy Glascock. This award is sponsored by Claas of America, Inc.
FOREST MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCTS-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
AUSTIN TANNER WILSON-KENTUCKY
Austin Tanner Wilson of the Whitley County FFA Chapter in Williamsburg, Ky., is involved with many different operations within the forestry field. His main business is a custom sawmill operation where he has seen everything from one board to an entire house. He became a co-owner of the business in May 2014 after purchasing one third of the sawmill operation. He saws an average of 65,000 board feet of lumber per year. He is supported by his parents, Joe and Sonya, and his FFA advisors, Brian Prewitt and Glen Croley. This award is sponsored by John Deere.
FRUIT PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
CLAIRE ELIZABETH SEIBEL-VIRGINIA
When she was 2 years old, the hay field her family farmed was turned into a vineyard. Since that time, Claire Elizabeth Seibel of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter in Dalesville, Va., has become heavily involved in the family's grape production. From sorting grapes during harvest to scouting for potential diseases and pests, Seibel has begun performing her own research into Virginia viticulture. She is supported by her parents, Megan and Andy, and her FFA advisor, Stuart Byrd.This award is sponsored by the DuPont Company.
GOAT PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
EMILY BEAL-OHIO
Emily Beal of the Miami East FFA Chapter in Casstown, Ohio, began her goat operation when she was 8 years old. Her parents purchased a starter herd of 22 head for her. Since that time, she has worked to transition her herd into high quality, genetically sound show wethers and wether dams. In the future, Beal would like to become a spokesperson for agriculture. She is supported by her parents, Melissa and Johnn, and her FFA advisor, Marie Carity. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
GRAIN PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CLAYTON ROBINSON-MISSOURI
Clayton Robinson of the Mark Twain FFA Chapter in Center, Mo., started helping his father feed cattle at a young age. Seeing his dedication to the farm, his father offered him the opportunity to start working his own 33 acres of corn. His responsibilities include equipment operation, selling grain and determining chemical and fertilizer use. Robinson is supported by his parents, Lori and John, and his FFA advisors, Sarah Ray and Joe Dameron. This award is sponsored by CF Industries, Inc. and Valent USA Corporation.
GRAIN PRODUCTION-PLACEMENT
DEVEN KENNETH FOSTER-KANSAS
Working on the family farm of nearly 7,000 acres, Deven Kenneth Foster of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Altamont, Kan., has experienced every aspect of the grain production farming process. The family plants, on average, 3,000 acres of corn and 2,500 acres of wheat. He assists in the tillage of the soil and practices vertical tillage for weed control. Foster is supported by his parents, Therese and Kenneth, and his FFA advisors, Dustin Wiley, Jeff Faulkenstein and Kyle Zwahlen. This award is sponsored by National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
HOME AND/OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
BAYLI ANNE HYDE-OKLAHOMA
Bayli Anne Hyde of the Burlington FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has hometown spirit deep in her soul. She began volunteering at Burlington City Hall with small tasks like sweeping the fire station or setting up chairs for community fundraisers. When a friend was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, she put her efforts toward raising money for that cause. Hyde has even worked to interview the son of E.M. Tiffany and put together a documentary on the "Father of the FFA Creed." She is supported by her parents, Marci and the late Robert Hyde, and her FFA advisor, Travis Bradshaw. This award is sponsored by Carhartt, Inc.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
TROY SCOTT MABIS-OHIO
Troy Scott Mabis of the Talawanda FFA Chapter in Oxford, Ohio, has always wanted to be like his father so it made sense that he would go to work for him in his landscaping business. From his mentor, he's learned to build allen block retaining walls, layer paver patios, construct landscapes and operate all the necessary machinery. Mabis plans to start his own landscaping business in the future. He is supported by his parents, Cathy and Scott, and his FFA advisors, Mike Derringer and Sara Casto. This award is sponsored by John Deere and Tractor Supply Company.
NURSERY OPERATIONS-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
ROBERT LOSEE-CONNECTICUT
Since the age of 5, Robert Losee of the Woodbury FFA Chapter in Connecticut has loved working with plants, getting his start in his mother's vegetable and flower gardens. In 2012, he started his SAE with a placement in a local nursery and further developed an interest in the propagation of plants. From watering, weeding, spacing and potting plants, he's learned to check for pests and diseases in the plants. Losee plans to major in environmental science and minor in horticulture, eventually owning his own greenhouse nursery business. He is supported by his parents, Barbara and Robert, and his FFA advisors, Erika Petersson, William Davenport and Eric Birkenberger. This award is sponsored NuFarm & Valent USA Corporation.
OUTDOOR RECREATION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
SAM ALAN SHAVER-INDIANA
Sam Alan Shaver of the Southmont FFA Chapter in Crawfordsville, Ind., helps his family run the largest off-road ATV race East of the Mississippi, The Ironman. Seeing the success of the race, Shaver helped launch an extreme 5K on the family property that has more than 8,000 participants each year. The family also owns a recreational vehicle dealership, selling boats, snowmobiles, trailers and ATVs. He is supported by his parents, Lori and Ken, and his FFA advisors, Gary Mosbaugh and Erin Gilley. This award is sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA.
POULTRY PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
LEZA STEMPLE-OKLAHOMA
Leza Stemple of the Vinita FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has an SAE in the area of poultry selection, breeding, exhibition, care and management. Her project has grown into a thriving business, Heartland Poultry, with annual sales averaging 300 birds and 600 hatching and consumption eggs from 12 heritage breeds of chickens, ducks, and geese. Stemple is supported by her mother, Alissa, and her FFA advisor, Carolyn J. Piguet. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Tyson Foods, Inc.
SHEEP PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
KAYLEE BRUNKER-OKLAHOMA
Kaylee Brunker of the Perkins Tyron FFA Chapter in Oklahoma owns and operates her own show lamb production business, raising high-quality market show lambs that she sells to compete at county, state, and national shows. Her current flock consists of 22 ewes, 16 of which are registered with the National merican Sheep Association. Brunker is supported by her parents, Regina and Brandon, and her FFA advisors, Brandon Brunker and Roger Jennings. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
SMALL ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND CARE ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
LACIE ANNE DEROJAS-FLORIDA
Lacie Anne DeRojas of the Dawson FFA Chapter in Texas began her SAE with the selection of market rabbit experiences. This led her to start raising her own breeding stock, and today she has 67 does and eight bucks. DeRojas has marketed her cull rabbits to a local USDA buyer who processes rabbits to farmers markets and high-end restaurants in the Dallas area. She is supported by her parents, Jana and Mike and her FFA advisors, Mike Littrell and Michelle Sammon. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
SPECIALTY ANIMAL PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
VICTOR ELIAS JOHNSON-CALIFORNIA
Victor Elias Johnson of the Lemoore FFA Chapter in California works for his grandmother's business, caring for several hundred bee hives used for the production of honey. As a child, he would help his grandmother in the delicate and important task of breeding the queen bees and extracting honey. This endeavor has inspired Johnson to learn more about the bee-keeping industry, water issues, and chemical production and distribution. He is supported by his parents, Rebecca and Steven, and his FFA advisors, Howard Clarke and Marybeth Hearn. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.
SPECIALTY CROP PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
BRETT PETERSEN-MINNESOTA
Brett Petersen of the Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg FFA Chapter in Minnesota works for his family farm producing 1,500 acres of sugar beets. He began his own independent operation in 2014 by purchasing 25 acres of sugar beets to grow. He's developed the ability to cultivate, plant, spray and harvest his beets. Petersen is supported by his parents, Paula and Kyle, and FFA advisors Christa Williamson and Cindy Krieger. This award is sponsored by CF Industries, Inc.
SWINE PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP
AUGUSTAS L. MITCHEM-OHIO
Augustas L. Mitchem of the Miami Trace FFA Chapter in Washington C.H., Ohio, has lived on a swine farm all his life. His grandfather started him out with six sows and he has since expanded to a 22-sow herd. He purchases purebred gilts and shows some of his own at county, state, and national shows as a marketing strategy. Mitchem is supported by his parents, Nancy and Steve, and FFA advisors Bruch Bennett and Tracy Dendinger. This award is sponsored by LA-CO Markal and Tyson Foods, Inc.
SWINE PRODUCTION-PLACEMENT
MATTHEW S. RIES-WISCONSIN
As a child, Matthew S. Ries of the Lomira FFA Chapter in Wisconsin helped his father feed hogs and give vaccinations on the family hog farm. When he was in the third grade, he was given two pigs to raise and show at the fair. Today, the farm has 100 sows, with 20 sows farrowing every four weeks and producing roughly 180 pigs a week. Ries is supported by his parents, Karen and Steven, and FFA advisor Dan Robinson. This award is sponsored by Provimi North America.
TURF GRASS MANAGEMENT-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
BLAKE GOSS-OKLAHOMA
Blake Goss of the Leedey FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has his own lawn care business mowing several residential and commercial properties. He's learned how to care for turf and how to maneuver proper mowing techniques throughout the various seasons. He's also developed the ability to research and purchase the proper equipment needed for maintaining specific client's yards. Goss employs certain plant species that are drought resistant. He is supported by his parents, Danna and Kent, and FFA advisor Jay Muret. This award is sponsored by John Deere.
VEGETABLE PRODUCTION-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
ZACHARY RYAN CALL-WEST VIRGINIA
Farming has always been a practice close to the heart of Zachary Ryan Call of the Cabell-Midland FFA Chapter in Ona, W.Va. After a few years of raising cows and selling eggs, he moved toward vegetable production, growing potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and butternut squash. Call is part of the Farm to School Program in which he sells his produce to be served in county schools. He is supported by his parents, Rosella and Stacy, and his FFA advisors, Mary Phillips, Brian Clagg and Trevor Cummings. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.
VETERINARY SCIENCE-ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
AMY WYANT-ILLINOIS
Amy Wyant of the Pontiac FFA Chapter in Illinois is the manager of the Livingston County Humane Society. She began volunteering her free time walking dogs and socializing cats. Because of the relationships she developed, when the manager position opened, she applied and received the job. As manager, she assists with basic medical procedures, performs diseases testing and gives inoculations. Wyant is supported by her parents, Tracey and Sean, and her FFA advisors, Jesse Faber and Parker Bane. This award is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
WILDLIFE PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP/PLACEMENT
LOGAN DOUGLAS-CALIFORNIA
Logan Douglas of the Oakdale FFA Chapter in California works for a fisheries and environmental consulting company dedicated to advancing the research, monitoring and conservation of wild fisheries throughout the world. He began his tenure with the company by cleaning and maintaining equipment before eventually working up to monitoring and managing the collection of data on native fish species in rivers and streams throughout California. Douglas is supported by his parents, Kathryn and Bill, and FFA advisors Isaac Robles, Ed Hartzel and Rebecca Mendonza. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.