Relive the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo with the newly released edition of Proceedings. This annual record of the national convention and expo is a tribute to the ardent commitment of our young leaders, featuring distinguished award recipients, major event highlights, and stirring retiring addresses from the 2022-23 National FFA Officers. Be inspired by the enduring spirit of perseverance, leadership, and shared success in our FFA members, chapters and supporters.

2023

96th National FFA
Convention & Expo

by the NUMBERS

Record Number of Attendees

Student Members

Chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands

SERVICE

2,640 delegates and members served at 21 nonprofits to give back to the greater Indianapolis area.

On-site service project: 6,000 sensory bottles created.
Evening service project: More than 400 sensory bags created.

STUDENT WORKSHOPS

14,284 student members attended 98 workshops.

TEACHER WORKSHOPS

656 teachers attended 36 workshops.

Student Showcase Stage

60 projects; 81 members and 18 chapters participated onstage.

LEADERSHIP

4,423 American FFA Degrees awarded.

213 Honorary American FFA Degrees awarded.

National FFA Expo

287 Exhibitors

32 Shopping Mall Booths

2022-23 National FFA Officer Team
Retiring Addresses

2023-24 National FFA Officer
Candidates

Western Region

Central Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

2023-24 National FFA Officer
Candidates

Western Region

Central Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

2023 Nominating Committee

2023-24 National FFA Officer Team

Amara Jackson
President
Michigan

Bio

Grant Norfleet | 2023-24 National Secretary

Grant Norfleet
Secretary
Missouri

Bio

Carter Howell | 2023-24 Southern Region Vice President

Carter Howell
Southern Region Vice President
Florida

Bio

Kanyon Huntington
Central Region Vice President
Iowa

Bio

Morgan Anderson
Eastern Region Vice President
Ohio

Bio

Emily Gossett
Western Region Vice President
New Mexico

Bio

American Star Awards

National FFA annually recognizes FFA members who rise to the top with the American Star Awards. These four FFA members have gone above and beyond in their attitude, involvement, community service and supervised agricultural experiences.

American FFA Degrees

Campbell’s Chunky Sacks Hunger Indianapolis Colts Event

Alabama

Arkansas

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Iowa

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Lee Elizabeth Ammons | Norfolk
Logan Micheal Caruthers | Bristol
Keegan Elizabeth-Kearns Lennon | Smith
Sarah Lea Vanjura- Roberts | Smith

Maryland

Maine

Izabelle Louise Higgins | Presque Isle

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Mississippi

Montana

North Carolina

North Dakota

Nebraska

New Jersey

New Mexico

Nevada

New York

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

West Virginia

Wyoming

Career and Leadership Events (CDE/LDE)

Since 1928, the National FFA Organization has worked to create career and leadership development events (CDEs/LDEs) that demonstrate the meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios. CDEs and LDEs are designed to help prepare FFA members for challenging careers in agriculture and build upon what members learn in agricultural classes and FFA.

CDEs and LDEs test the abilities of individuals and teams in 25 major areas of agricultural instruction. Youth travel from across the country to participate at the national level. Through intense hands-on activities, FFA members are asked to perform specific career skills that will help them develop technical knowledge, decision-making, reasoning and more. Industry professionals serve as judges so that the participants can see how they would perform in actual careers.

Years of study, training and practice paid off for this year’s participants. The results of each event were announced during the National FFA Convention & Expo. Throughout the general sessions, the high team and individuals were recognized on stage. Winning teams and high individuals received scholarships.

Agricultural Communications

Winning Team
Madison County FFA, Georgia

Top Placing Individual
Reagan Robinson
Lake Butler FFA, Florida

Agricultural Issues Forum

Winning Team
Shallowater FFA, Texas

Agricultural Sales

Winning Team
Prairie Central FFA, Illinois

Top Placing Individual
Derek Repp
Colfax FFA, Washington

Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems

Winning Team
Bleckley County FFA, Georgia

Top Placing Individual
James Cairney
Bleckley County FFA, Georgia

Agronomy

Winning Team
Olney FFA, Illinois

Top Placing Individual
Abby Ortego
Jennings FFA, Louisiana

Conduct of Chapter Meetings

Winning Team
West Holt FFA, Nebraska

Creed Speaking

Top Placing Individual
Joseph Schohr
Gridley FFA, California

Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management

Winning Team
Okeechobee Brahman FFA, Florida

Top Placing Individual
Sara Reed
Troy FFA, Pennsylvania

Dairy Handler's Activity

Top Placing Individual
Maddy Hensel
Pittsville FFA, Wisconsin

2023 CDE-LDE Prepared Public Speaking 836x470

Employment Skills

Top Placing Individual
Josie Boyle
West Dubuque FFA, Iowa

Environmental and Natural Resources

Winning Team
Cashmere FFA, Washington

Top Placing Individual
Seth Martin
Cashmere FFA, Washington

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

Top Placing Individual
Caleb Most
Ogallala FFA, Nebraska

Farm and Agribusiness

Winning Team
DeKalb FFA, Indiana

Top Placing Individual
Cayden Wade
Wheatland FFA, Wyoming

Floriculture

Winning Team
Southern Alamance FFA, North Carolina

Top Placing Individual
Marleigh Williams
Perry FFA, Georgia

Food Science and Technology

Winning Team
West Orange FFA, Florida

Top Placing Individual
Gianna Mahsman
Palmyra FFA, Missouri

Forestry

Winning Team
Banks County FFA, Georgia

Top Placing Individual
David Adams
Banks County FFA, Georgia

Horse Evaluation

Winning Team
Lipan FFA, Texas

Top Placing Individual
Cameron Powers
Lipan FFA, Texas

Livestock Evaluation

Winning Team
Guthrie FFA, Oklahoma

Top Placing Individual
Maysen Garrett
Guthrie FFA, Oklahoma

Marketing Plan

Winning Team
Elk Grove FFA, California

Meats Evaluation and Technology

Winning Team
Burnet FFA, Texas

Top Placing Individual
Carter Bostic
Burnet FFA, Texas

Milk Quality and Products

Winning Team
Prairie Central FFA, Illinois

Top Placing Individual
Ryan Marshall
Atwater FFA, California

Nursery/Landscape

Winning Team
Southern Alamance FFA, North Carolina

Top Placing Individual
Brandon Pasour
Southern Alamance FFA, North Carolina

Parliamentary Procedures

Winning Team
Galt-Liberty Ranch FFA, California

Poultry Evaluation

Winning Team
Westville FFA, Oklahoma

Top Placing Individual
Brayden Selgeby
Neosho FFA, Missouri

Prepared Public Speaking

Top Placing Individual
Kade Lawrence
Canyon FFA, Texas

Veterinary Science

Winning Team
Denmark FFA, Georgia

Top Placing Individual
Ravinia Zillmer
Central Burlington FFA, Illinois

Agricultural Proficiency Awards

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

Agribusiness | Agricultural Education Systems Pathways

Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jack Phillip Lingenfelter

Jack Phillip Lingenfelter of the Coffee High FFA Chapter in Georgia records, edits and publishes episodes of the agriculture-promoting podcast, “The Straws That Stir the Drinks.” The podcast is a collection of conversations from national and state FFA officers, elected officials, farmers, agriscience educators and FFA members. Lingenfelter also coordinates a social media account to advertise and network the podcast. He is supported by his parents, Kellie and Nathan, and his FFA advisors Joshua Rogers, Drew Williams, Janie ‘Kailee’ Bennett, and Spencer Highsmith.

Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Lillie Anne Cagle

Lillie Anne Cagle of the Bledsoe FFA Chapter in Tennessee wrote and illustrated an interactive children’s book designed to advance agricultural knowledge and education among elementary-age students. She has taken her book to elementary schools to read to students and was inspired to create a nonprofit called Ag Across the Board. For it, Cagle transformed a trailer into a mobile agricultural education classroom. She is supported by her FFA advisor, Ronny Collier.

Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship & Placement

Entrepreneurship
Kendra Downing

Kendra Downing of the Cambridge FFA Chapter in Illinois has owned and operated the Downing Daughters’ Farm Stand for the last four years. She buys pumpkins, honey, mums, popcorn, Indian corn, broom corn, and straw from local wholesales, selling them in her retail store, which is a 15 feet by 50 feet rustic barn. In September and October, she opens the farm stand on Fridays and Saturdays. Downing is supported by her parents, Crista and Zane, and her FFA advisor, Trenton Taber.

Placement
Hunter Sharp

Hunter Sharp of the Chiefland FFA Chapter in Florida is the assistant manager at Quincey Beef. He is tasked with taking inventory on trucks and in cold storage, inventory management, connecting with wholesale customers, maintaining records, and more. He also posts sales information on various social media platforms. Sharp is supported by his parents, Donna and Bud, and his FFA advisors Dallas Locke and Bailey Buchanon.

Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems

Integrated Systems
Madison Perkins

Madison Perkins of the Gilmer FFA Chapter in Texas has conducted a four-year study on the effects of vegetation, pond age, algae control methods, and agricultural practices on the biodiversity and water quality of aquatic habitats. Her project consisted of 20 ponds in seven watersheds. Ponds were divided into three experiment groups: fertilizer only, cattle only, and both cattle and fertilizer. Perkins is supported by her parents, Donna Sue and Mike, and her FFA advisors Sue Witt, Russell Thomas, Jacqueline Cole and Kyle Keahey.

Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Maggie McDonald

Maggie McDonald of the Magnolia FFA Chapter in Arkansas owns M2 Genetics and Testing, a lab to test ruminant animal blood to confirm pregnancies. She saw a developing need for this service in 2019 when the lab she used during kidding season closed. She has had more than 250 customers from 10 states. McDonald is supported by her parents, Kristal and Robert, and her FFA advisors Kelsey Elam and Daniel Davis.

Service-Learning – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Adam Jaycob Stone

Adam Jaycob Stone of the Bowdon High School FFA Chapter in Georgia sought to create sustainable change rather than a temporary fix when he recognized the food desert in his community. He created a nonprofit called Go Grow Georgia to fight food insecurity through educational opportunities relating to producing food at home and providing agricultural resources to support the effort. Stone was able to build a garden on public lands and teach clinics on growing food at the learning garden. He is supported by his parents, Meredith and Brian, and his FFA advisor, Richie Farrow.

Proficiency Awards - Vegetable Production

Animal Systems Pathway

Agriscience Research – Animal Systems

Animal Systems
Jay Bliler

Jay Bliler of the Taylorville FFA Chapter in Illinois has conducted his research in partnership with JRW Calf Ranch, using their equipment, feed, medications and 80 beef cattle. His objective was to conduct research and share his findings on how to improve calf health and feed efficiency. He began by comparing the effectiveness of an added digestive enzyme in a calf’s dairy milk. Bliler is supported by his parents, Elizabeth and Nathan, and his FFA advisors Sue Schafer, Katie King, Charles Dammerman, and Lori Parks.

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship & Placement

Entrepreneurship
Kyelynn Coombe

Kyelynn Coombe of the Joliet FFA Chapter in Montana started her project in 2006 when her parents gave her one polled Hereford cow. Since then, she has increased her herd to include 131 females and three bulls. She has 38 yearling heifers in her parents’ feedlot. Her project goal is to have 140 cows, make more money than it costs to raise them, sell 20 bred heifers, sell 20 bulls in a genetics bull sale, and produce the best registered Simmental and Angus cattle. Coombe is supported by her parents, Kelli and Chris, and her FFA advisor, Chad Massar.

Placement
Amanda Osmundson

Amanda Osmundson of the Oakdale FFA Chapter in California works on her family’s beef operation, helping to manage 300 heard of registered Beefmaster, commercial, and E6 cattle. Her focus is a seed stock operation to sell registered bulls and donor cows to commercial producers in order for them to maximize the quality of the market cattle. Osmundson has learned to perform artificial insemination on cattle. She is supported by her parents, Mayra and Gregory, and her FFA advisors Edward Hartzell, Matt Marshall, Isaac Robles and Julie Schellhase.

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship & Placement

Entrepreneurship
Clancey Krahn

Clancey Krahn of the Scio FFA Chapter in Oregon has a herd of 41 purebred registered Jersey and Brown Swiss dairy cattle. In 2018, her family built a farmstead creamery and began processing milk on-site in a vertically integrated system. She utilizes a vat pasteurization, non-homogenization system for processing her milk, which is bottled in recyclable glass bottles and sold to 50 retail stores and coffee shops in Oregon. Krahn is supported by her parents, Amy and Ben, and her FFA advisor, Krysta Sprague.

Placement
Lauren Homan

Lauren Homan of the New Bremen FFA Chapter in Ohio is an assistant herdsman at her family’s dairy farm, an operation raising 480 Holstein cows and 400 heifers. Her work started with feeding calves and has grown to taking care of calves, heifers, and dairy cows. Homan works with the manure press system as well, cleaning, greasing and pressing at the right speed to make dry bedding for the cows. She is supported by her parents, Tanya and Gregory, and her FFA advisor, Maria Homan.

Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brant Failes

Brant Failes of the Cherokee FFA Chapter in Oklahoma began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) with a small commercial cow herd, a bull and 20 rented acres of wheat farm ground. He has expanded his program to include replacement heifers, meat goats, bottle calves, 120 acres of farm ground and 35 acres of grass pasture. He pays cash rent for the 120 total acres of wheat ground and for the equipment he uses. Failes is supported by his parents, Gayla and David, and his FFA advisor, Christy Snider.

Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Emilee Munchrath

Emilee Munchrath of the Graford FFA Chapter in Texas has her own business, Glory Days Livestock, which consists of breeding, raising, and selling registered cattle and club lambs. She retained retired show heifers and purchased breeding sheep with a U.S. Department of Agriculture youth loan. Quality females are transferred back into production enterprises to continue growing her scope. Munchrath is supported by her parents, Amber and Nathan, and her FFA advisors Robert Ray and her mother.

Equine Science – Entrepreneurship & Placement

Entrepreneurship
Madilynn Jayde Campbell

Madilynn Jayde Campbell of the Adair FFA Chapter in Oklahoma raises and trains halter quarter horses using her family’s open stall barn and arena. Her project began with three foundation quarter horses gifted to her by her grandfather. She now has seven mares and geldings and a large clientele. She closely tracks all feed, veterinary and equipment expenses. Campbell is supported by her parents, Becky and Shanon, and her FFA advisors Devin DeLozier and Shane Johnson.

Placement
Morelia Vieyra

Morelia Vieyra of the Madera FFA Chapter in California works as a stable hand and groomer at Rancho Alegre Stables, boarding and training more than 40 horses. The ranch has 42 covered stalls and multiple pastures to house the horses, a racetrack, an arena, and a chute system. Vieyra is supported by her parents, Irma and Alejandro, and her FFA advisors Kristin Sheehan, Sigifredo Valladares Renteria, Jordana Faria and Brianna Ellis.

Goat Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Chase Hummel

Chase Hummel of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Illinois works with his family’s livestock show goat breeding division, raising approximately 500 head of meat goats annually to be sold as 4-H and FFA projects across the country. He became responsible for monitoring the body condition and general health status of the 350 does, implementing parasite management practices and an embryo transfer program. Hummel is supported by his parents, Holly and Dale, and his FFA advisors Diana Loschen, Jenna Baker and Kaylee Shouse.

Animal Systems Pathway (Continued)

Poultry Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Sam Bolen

Sam Bolen of the South Central FFA Chapter in Ohio works for Double A Eggs Farms, a free-range and organic layer operation with two barns that each house approximately 30,000 birds. His duties were initially very simple, but today he is charged with adjusting belts, welding rods on the rock conveyor, advanced troubleshooting, supervising other farmhands, and more. Bolen is supported by his parents, Lorraine and George, and his FFA advisor, Sarah Lucha.

Sheep Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Bailee Amstutz

Bailee Amstutz of the North Union FFA Chapter in Ohio sold her first lamb on the sale block when she was 2 years old. At the age of 6, her grandmother gave her her first show lamb. Today, she has 78 ewes and three rams. Amstutz raised the Reserve Champion Commercial Ewe at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in 2021, and a stud buck named Deuces Wild that produces semen and offspring that are sold across the country. She is supported by her parents, Leah and Brock, and her FFA advisors Breck Mooneyham and Thomas Jolliff.

Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Payton Irick

Payton Irick of the Seminole FFA Chapter in Oklahoma raises Yorkshire terriers and Yorkie-poodle mixed designer dogs that are non-shedding and hypoallergenic. She began with one female and used a corner of her parents’ office to raise the first litter of puppies. She’s invested in more females and ensures stellar health, cleanliness and socialization of all puppies. Irick is supported by her parents, Heather and Shawn, and her FFA advisor, Amber Day.

Specialty Animal Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
William Paxton

William Paxton of the Stuart FFA Chapter in Nebraska established his own beekeeping business after shadowing a professional. Keeping them on his uncle’s ranch, he started with two hives. His primary responsibility as a beekeeper, he said, was to keep honeybees healthy enough to survive and produce a substantial amount of honey each year. Paxton is supported by his parents, Sara and Darby, and his FFA advisors Katie Nolles and Patty Hanzlik.

Swine Production – Entrepreneurship and Placement

Entrepreneurship
Davis Howell

Davis Howell of the Clinton FFA Chapter in Illinois has a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) consisting of two projects: breeding swine and show swine. For his breeding operation, he has between 12 and 15 sows and gilts along with a check boar. He breeds twice a year with the goal that offspring will be transferred to his show swine project. Howell is supported by his parents, Rebecca and Zachary, and his FFA advisors Hannah Riedle, Kayla Riedle and Savannah Riegler.

Placement
John Buryl Neely

John Buryl Neely of the Woodbury FFA Chapter in Tennessee works with his family’s swine production. The project has allowed him to learn about all aspects of the process, including growing and finishing of all ages and weights of pigs. He has learned to apply the best swine management practices while monitoring their health, and cleaning and sanitizing facilities and trailers. Neely is supported by his parents, Alanna and Johnny, and his FFA advisors Wesley Foster and Emily Kopko.

Veterinary Science – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brooke Nicole Casey

Brooke Nicole Casey of the New London FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works as a veterinary assistant at her local clinic and has also shadowed a large animal veterinarian at another operation. As an assistant, she works with vets to do checkups on healthy animals and exams on sick pets. She also works with the surgery and dental patients. She draws blood, gives vaccines, takes radiographs, assists with ultrasounds and more. Casey is supported by her parents, Bette and Glenn, and her FFA advisor, Crystal Retzlaff.

Proficiency Awards - Ag Mechanics Repair Maintenance

Food Products and Processing System Pathway

Agricultural Processing – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Garret Gomes

Garret Gomes of the Gustine FFA Chapter in California works at his local butcher shop and has learned about the meat processing industry in the 3,200-square-foot shop. He helps make more than 60 different types of sausage, hand cuts steaks and chops, and smokes meat products, as well. When he began his position, he learned about sanitation, sausage making, and meat marinating. Gomes is supported by his parents, Christine and Richie, and his FFA advisors Kelly Sanches, Matt Baffunno, Cameron Wyman, and Graciela Martinez.

Plant System Pathway and Biotechnology, Environmental Service and Natural Resources Pathway

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems

Plant Systems
Charleigh Feuerbacher

Charleigh Feuerbacher of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas has researched hydroponically grown plants. Her first project explored the nutrient additive of different sugar types across sweet potatoes, cilantro and tomatoes. Her second focused on the nutrient additive of ascorbic acids in hydroponic systems with the goal of crops with higher vitamin C content. Feurbacher is supported by her parents, Ashleigh and Arlon, and her FFA advisors Savannah Bowers, Cameron Price, Brock Burch and Jordan Smith.

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship and Placement

Entrepreneurship
Hayden Holdgrafer

Hayden Holdgrafer of the Easton Valley FFA Chapter in Iowa began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) by renting acres to grow corn, soybeans and hay. The scope of his projects grew each year along with the number of acres he rented. He feels blessed that his SAE has earned him financial footing, agronomic knowledge and life lessons. Holdgrafer is supported by his parents, Keri and Brian, and his FFA advisor, Steven Eskildsen.

Placement
Wylie Schwebach

Wylie Schwebach of the Moriarty FFA Chapter in New Mexico works on the family’s 2,500-acre irrigated grain and forage production operation. The farm produces 1,050 acres of corn, 740 acres of alfalfa, 610 acres of triticale, and 100 acres of barley each year. He is trusted with the management of planting, monitoring, and evaluating, and maintenance and operation of the equipment. Schwebach is supported by his parents, Shannon and Ryan, and his FFA advisor, Cole Andes.

Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Nash McKenzie

Nash McKenzie of the Boonville FFA Chapter in Missouri built his own business in 2019. Home Exterior Services does everything from mulching and pulling weeds to yard design and installation. His equipment includes a SCAG V-Ride 52-inch standing mower, a Turf Tiger 61-inch zero turn mower, trimmers, and leaf blowers. McKenzie is supported by his parents, Heather and Nash, and his FFA advisors Douglas Henke and Deanna Schnuck.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Creyton Line

Creyton Line of the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA Chapter in Nebraska focuses on protection and conservation of the natural resources at his family’s Triangle J Ranch. He plants tree lanes, transplants cedar trees, builds terraces, and waters and fertilizes trees. Line also removes volunteer plants like musk thistles and other harmful vegetation. He is supported by his parents, Annette and Darby, and his FFA advisors Emily Reitz and Katie Hothem.

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Matthew Gossett

Matthew Gossett of the Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter in Ohio began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) in the fall of 2019 when he rented 12 acres of ground to farm soybeans. He’s since increased his land to 43 acres. Gossett also works his family’s soybean farm of 662 acres. He plants, fertilizes, sprays and harvests the crop. He is supported by his parents, Lori and Ronnie, and his FFA advisor, Dara Landess.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Korbin Smith

Korbin Smith of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma works on his family’s farm, consisting of 2,200 acres growing high quality forages and a diverse mix of grass and cropland. Raising hay, growing grass, utilizing cover crops, and growing wheat and rye pastures has helped him understand the importance of good management practices and working towards a sustainable operation. Smith services the farm equipment, learning the importance of doing routine maintenance. He is supported by his parents, Kendra and Randall, and his FFA advisor, Chris Klaassen.

Forest Management and Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Braedon Raven

Braedon Raven of the Klein FFA Chapter in Texas works at the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm. The 40 acres has approximately 10,000 Virginia pine and cypress trees. He plants, manages, and grows these trees each year, in addition to staking and clipping them. Raven utilizes irrigation systems, pest control methods and natural colorants. He is supported by his parents, Lynn and Brian, and his FFA advisors Rebecca Brummond, Michael Brummond, Clayton Bill and Emery Spence.

Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Morgan Hodge

Morgan Hodge of the West Liberty FFA Chapter in Iowa was introduced to trapshooting and outdoor recreation when she took her first hunter’s safety course at the age of 12. Her father and grandfather were avid trapshooters who taught her about shooting sports and hunting. She works at a gun club, maintaining safety protocols, providing lawn care, reclaiming lead, and maintaining target throwing machines. Hodge is supported by her parents, Roberta and Stewart, and her FFA advisors Elyse Buysse and Zachary Morris.

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Thomas D. Dehoff

Thomas D. Dehoff of the Screven County High FFA Chapter in Georgia began raising bobwhite and Tennessee red varieties of quail when he was in the seventh grade. Working with his father and brother, the three raise flocks of quail through the brooder barn on six-week rotations. Since 2017, he has raised and marketed 40,535 quail. Dehoff is supported by his parents, Melina and Robert, and his FFA advisors Nancy Sell, Zach Weaver and Cali Smith.

Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Peyton Vanden Berge

Peyton Vanden Berge of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas works in agricultural fabrication for H4 construction and has completed two design and fabrication projects for his chapter: building a hay trailer and a 36-foot-long sliding axle trailer. For H4, he is responsible for building everything from whole trailers to implementing jacks. Berge is supported by his parents, Courtney and Jake, and his FFA advisors Jordan Smith, Cameron Price, Savannah Bowers and Keely Roberts.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship and Placement

Entrepreneurship
Joseph Keith Ledford

Joseph Keith Ledford of the Jackson-Empower FFA Chapter in Georgia repairs and restores antique tractors, and buys and sells tractors as part of his restoration business. He has learned how to service internal combustion engines by maintaining ignition, fuel and cooling systems. Ledford can rebuild distributors and carburetors, diagnose engine malfunction and more. He is supported by his parents, Carmen and Keith, and his FFA advisors Micah Story, Greg Gilman, Jacob Segers and Anthony Brooks.

Placement
Caldyn David Huper

Caldyn David Huper of the United South Central FFA Chapter in Minnesota works for his family’s agricultural equipment repair business, diagnosing, repairing, restoring, and maintaining equipment. He has completed several projects, including several major engine overhauls and transmission rebuilds. Huper also prepares tractors for painting by washing, sandblasting and masking them off. He is supported by his parents, Kayla and Eric, and his FFA advisor, Dan Dylla.

Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jamin Allen Miles III

Jamin Allen Miles III of the Appling County FFA Chapter in Georgia has had two placement experiences at blueberry operations. The farms grow a total of nearly 600 acres of blueberries, as well as have processing and packing facilities. The processing facility is a 20,000-square-foot warehouse, containing packing equipment and a computer sorting system. Miles is supported by his parents, Dorothy and Allen, and his FFA advisors Jim Galvin and Kevin Harrison.

Grain Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Noah Thomas Wiley

Noah Thomas Wiley of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Kansas works at a 2,000-acre farm, growing corn and winter wheat. He is tasked with routine maintenance, including changing belts, fluids, bearings, and hoses, as well as those requiring high-level skills such as rebuilding the entire planter from the ground up. Wiley also operates the planter, grain drill, combine and grain cart. He is supported by his parents, Becky and Dustin, and his FFA advisors Kyle Zwahlen, Keith Geren and his father.

Landscape Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Ethan David Lulich

Ethan David Lulich of the Mauston FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his father’s landscaping business, which includes a retail garden center, landscaping installation crew, and a lawn care maintenance crew. He helps design outdoor living spaces including patios, firepits, sitting walls, walkways, stairs, lighting, irrigation systems, and water features. Lulich is supported by his parents, Lori and David, and his FFA advisor, Beth Babcock.

Nursery Operations – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Vanessa Trotter

Vanessa Trotter of the Peebles FFA Chapter in Ohio began a small pumpkin patch when her father purchased a piece of land in 2012. With that, TNT Greenhouses was born. She owns three greenhouses to produce flower and vegetable flats, pots, planters and hanging baskets. Trotter is responsible for trimming, deadheading, and watering plants. She is supported by her parents, Holly and Carl, and her FFA advisor, Rebecca Minton.

Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Noah Koth

Noah Koth of the North Huron FFA Chapter in Michigan helps farm 1,200 specialty crop acres of sugar beets and black turtle beans. He started working on the farm by driving the loader tractor to pick stones in the field. His responsibilities have increased and now include tillage, running the self-propelled sprayer, hauling water, mixing liquid fertilizer, and more. Koth is active in the repair and maintenance of the farm machinery and equipment, too. He is supported by his parents, Kelli and Donald, and his FFA advisors Joseph Ankley and Haley Talaski.

Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Dawson Woerner

Dawson Woerner of the Shenandoah FFA Chapter in Indiana works for his father’s 900-acre sod farm, supplying landscapers and builders throughout central and northern Indiana. When he started helping with the operation, he was limited to clearing the fields of rocks. Today, he accomplishes everything from grass seedbed preparation, irrigating the sod fields weekly, and mowing the sod fields. Woerner hopes to one day be a full partner in the family business. He is supported by his parents, Susan and Darren, and his FFA advisors Dawn Baker and Tammie Starkey.

Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Entrepreneurship/Placement
Cody Jerald Hudziak

Cody Jerald Hudziak of the Weuaywega-Fremont Chapter in Wisconsin has two placements for his supervised agricultural experience (SAE): one at the aquaponics system in his agriculture classroom and the other at Del Monte Foods. He was manager of the aquaponics system, growing buttercrunch lettuce in the system that is grown in water with fish waste. At Del Monte, he worked to grow green beans, potatoes, carrots and beets. Hudziak is supported by his parents, Kimberly and Duane, and his FFA advisors Sandra Dykes, Connie Peterson and Jessica Magdanz.

National FFA Agriscience Fair

The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food and natural resources. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Students compete in one of six categories in the agriscience fair and under one of six divisions — either individually or as a team.

Animal Systems

Division 1
Lauren Giesige
Patrick Henry FFA Chapter | Ohio

Division 2
L. Jay Asuncion and Travis Cabulera
Waipahu Intermediate Middle FFA Chapter | Hawaii

Division 3
Kyriana Beard
Stillwater FFA Chapter | Oklahoma

Division 4
Brynlee Cody and Brody Fisher
Florence FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 5
Jenna Larson
Okeechobee Brahman FFA Chapter | Florida

Division 6
Reven Brummond and Braedon Raven
Klein FFA Chapter | Texas

2023 Agriscience Fair - Environmental Services 836x470

Environmental Services and Natural Resources

Division 1
Nicholas Nishimura
Waipahu Intermediate Middle FFA Chapter | Hawaii

Division 2
Isabel Kluesner and Chloe Their
Beckman Catholic FFA Chapter | Iowa

Division 3
Sarah Beck
Corsicana FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 4
Xavier Stuck and William Browning
Ridgemont FFA Chapter | Ohio

Division 5
Megan Baker
Neoga FFA Chapter | Illinois

Division 6
Sean Michael Monte and Angelo Agarano
Waipahu FFA Chapter | Hawaii

Food Products and Processing Systems

Division 1
Erin Keith
Franklin County Middle FFA Chapter | Georgia

Division 2
Destiny Ortega and Elizabeth Donaldson
Deming FFA Chapter | New Mexico

Division 3
Esther VanOverbeke
Stillwater FFA Chapter | Oklahoma

Division 4
Jaedyn Berry and Allyson Foster
Stephenville FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 5
Shayla Mader
Stephenville Chapter | Texas

Division 6
Kaylee Jennings and Joanna Hamilton
Franklin-Felicity FFA Chapter | Ohio

Plant Systems

Division 1
Caroline Cornell
Hardee Middle FFA Chapter | Florida

Division 2
Emi Walker and Hazel Brubaker
Malcom Bridge Middle FFA Chapter | Georgia

Division 3
Rileigh Buttle
Lubbock Cooper FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 4
Brady Lee and Eli Dunn
Stewarts Creek FFA Chapter | Tennessee

Division 5
Lindsey Johnson
Abernathy FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 6
Sushila Rau and Shivarni Govind
Bergen County Academies FFA Chapter | New Jersey

2023 Agriscience Fair Power Structural & Technical Systems 836x470

Power, Structural and Technical Systems

Division 1
Shelby Hatton
Eastland FFA Chapter | Texas

Division 2
Savannah Norfleet and Noah Pershall
Chugwater FFA Chapter | Wyoming

Division 3
Jenna Lawler
Rushville FFA Chapter | Indiana

Division 4
Kylie Griffin and Tyler Phipps
Lakeside-El Capitan FFA Chapter | California

Division 5
Zoey Brott
Pleasant Hill FFA Chapter | Oregon

Division 6
Londyn Carroll and Jaci Darr
Eastland FFA Chapter | Texas

Social Science

Division 1
Eliana Timmons
Stillwater FFA Chapter | Oklahoma

Division 2
Kamryn Kiser and Prezley Furer
Ridgemont FFA Chapter | Ohio

Division 3
Makena Blalock
Sonoraville FFA Chapter | Georgia

Division 4
Reagan Hancock and Avery Lewis
Williston Junior FFA Chapter | Florida

Division 5
Olivia Shike
Unity FFA Chapter | Illinois

Division 6
Trinity Blosch and Aubrie McEndoo
Stillwater FFA Chapter | Oklahoma

National Chapter Awards

The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Model of Excellence Winners

Middle School Model of Excellence

Carroll County Middle FFA | Virginia

Carroll County Middle FFA promoted agricultural literacy to children in their county during the public library’s “March is Ag Literacy Month” program. Each week during story time, members presented a different agriculture book with accompanying activities and take-home items for attendees. In another project, members provided a petting zoo at the annual Back to School Bash. The interactive FFA booth allowed parents and students to learn more about middle school FFA.

Model of Excellence

Stillwater FFA | Oklahoma

Stillwater FFA taught farm fire safety by connecting members to their local fire department during a hands-on learning demonstration at the school farm. Members learned how to use a fire extinguisher as well as teamwork to fight fires and signed a pledge to practice fire safety. The chapter hosted fourth graders for a day where the children learned about animal handling practices, smoking bees, food safety and supporting agriculture.

Premier Chapters

Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders
Bartlesville FFA | Oklahoma

Bartlesville FFA facilitated a photo challenge scavenger hunt for members during their monthly chapter meeting. The one-hour group activity, managed by officers, required members to collaborate and accomplish a common goal by completing photo challenges. The activity was beneficial in using critical thinking in a competitive and fun environment, which promoted engagement and leadership development.

Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture
Taylorville FFA | Illinois

Taylorville FFA identified the need for adult role models and established a program called My Mentor. The chapter worked with its alumni and supporters to organize and facilitate this support group involving 137 FFA members and 38 community volunteer leaders. As a result, students gained relationship-building, job interviewing and career skills.

Premier Chapter: Building Communities
Stillwater FFA | Oklahoma

Stillwater FFA wanted to demonstrate that a little can go a long way. Through their Changing the World with a $5 Bill challenge, 75 participating members were each given $5 (provided through donated funds) and three months to invest in serving the community. This resulted in 405 hours of service, impacting 1,541 community members.

National FFA Alumni and Supporters Top Honors

Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter Award

Northview FFA Alumni and Supporters in Florida

The chapter was recognized as a model for business operations, alumni and supporter member development, advocacy, student development, agricultural education and FFA program development. They recognized a need to provide Northview FFA with student scholarships and help fund travel for competitions and conventions. Northview FFA Alumni and Supporters also hosted the Blue Jacket Jamboree — a community event that featured local artisans and business owners, live entertainment, kids’ activities, a car show and more. Through this event, they raised $3,745 to help pay for travel and award two $1,000 scholarships for students pursuing post-high school goals. The alumni chapter also offered a series of officer interview workshops for students to prepare for upcoming officer interviews.

Outstanding Alumni State Association 2023

The Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association Award

Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters

Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters received this year’s award for actively supporting students and teachers. In Wisconsin, sectional representatives are essential for maintaining chapters by hosting yearly sectional meetings. The association also distributed $28,000 in matching chapter leadership grants and $8,000 in scholarships for 14 FFA members to attend the Washington Leadership Conference. The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team also presented a workshop titled “Who’s Missing in the FFA Alumni and Supporters?” at their state alumni convention. This allowed attendees to evaluate how FFA Alumni and Supporters, including all members, make an impact.

The Outstanding Corporate FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter Award

Syngenta FFA Alumni and Supporter

Based in the southern region, the chapter’s mission is to enable Syngenta employees to help current FFA members bring their leadership and career potential to life by contributing through gifts of time, talent and financial resources at the local, state and national levels. Their chapter membership includes over 250 employees with 15 chapter leaders, ensuring the chapter’s objectives are met. In 2023, they increased their Give FFA Day donations by 75%, raising over $100,000. They also had 120 new employees who participated in the Blue Banner Program and established a base local chapter engagement plan for all Syngenta sites. The chapter also supports state and national judging opportunities to help develop students.

Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Achievement Awards

Joshua Bledsoe of the North Carolina FFA Alumni Association has helped maintain the organization’s structure through his many years of service. As one example, Josh worked diligently and deliberately on a business opportunity to expand the historical footprint of the North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake, N.C. As North Carolina’s state FFA advisor, Josh has led the growth of FFA student membership throughout the state. This growth has made North Carolina a nationally recognized state association. Still, more importantly, it has allowed more students than ever before to experience the gifts of agricultural education and FFA membership.

As an alumni member of Canby FFA Alumni and Supporters in Oregon, Swede Salo has been instrumental in recruiting new alumni and increasing existing members’ engagement. Swede has served as the state regional vice president, president of Oregon FFA Alumni and Supporters, alumni representative on the Oregon FFA Foundation and a founding member of the Oregon FFA Joint Board. While serving in these positions, he has helped strengthen the relationship between the association, alumni and foundation. Swede is the first to volunteer for programs at his local school or any FFA chapter, and his wealth of knowledge makes him invaluable to FFA at all levels.

Scott Wood, a member of Middletown FFA Alumni and Supporters in Maryland, has made a positive impact as the alumni chapter’s vice president. He has supported FFA chapter officers through various leadership trainings and activities. Scott has also served as a judge at local, state and National FFA events. His involvement with the Agricultural Technological and Machinery Systems Career Development Event at the state level has caused other members to join the FFA Alumni as judges or coaches, assisting at the highest level. His best attribute is that he leads by example, and when he says he will do it, you can count on it being completed.

Distinguished Services and VIP Citations

Distinguished Service Citation

Awards such as the Distinguished Service Citation recognize that FFA and its partners make a greater impression on students through the cooperation of the entire community. FFA and agricultural education programs have helped millions of students achieve extraordinary success for over 90 years.

Through its subsidiaries, AGCO has consistently worked with FFA to build the future of agriculture through its support. The company has supported FFA members through scholarships, grants and, most recently, support for the State Officer Leadership Continuum. AGCO knows the value FFA brings to the talent pipeline and is actively working on ways to hire FFA members. The company’s leadership is passionate about its involvement with the organization.

Ford has supported the National FFA through its many contributions. For the past 25 years, the company has encouraged members through its Built Ford Tough scholarship opportunities. Ford was the first partner to participate in creating a virtual field trip that showcases opportunities to FFA members and how agriculture weaves into the automotive industry and emerging technologies. The company also offers travel assistance grants to chapters to attend the national convention and expo. Ford is involved on the National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ Board.

Throughout their years of support, Corteva Agriscience has provided numerous educational STEM resources and contributions to the robust FFA tool AgExplorer as members learn about applicable careers in agriculture. In 2017, the company began a corporate FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter that continues to grow. Corteva Agriscience engages FFA members in fun and educational ways, such as participating in the National FFA Expo and supporting the National FFA Band and Chorus and many competitive events. The company is involved on the local, state and national levels and participates on the foundation sponsors’ board.

New Holland has been a champion for advancing FFA and agricultural education. They have given over $3 million to FFA on the local, state and national levels. The company’s presence during the national conventions and expos inspires thousands of students with hands-on experience and exposure to agricultural education. In addition to its monetary support, New Holland offers judges for and input into state and local contests.

José Santiago | Past National FFA Officer | Puerto Rico

Honorary American Degree

Retiring National FFA Foundation Board of Trustees
Linda Tank | Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Sherisa Nailor | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Jon Simonsen+ | Columbia, Missouri

Retiring National FFA Board of Directors
Jessica Blythe | Morgantown, West Virginia
Ben Lastly | Athens, Georgia

Retiring National FFA Alumni Advisory Committee
Alacyn Nihsen | Des Moines, Iowa
Paulette Scheibel | Vernon, New York
Mamie Hertel | College Station, Texas
Abery Culbertson | Fresno, California

VIP Citation

Band, Chorus and Talent
2023 Members

Band Members

Arizona
Marcos Amaya, Jr. | Cibola FFA

Arkansas
Elijah McDowell | Mount Ida FFA
Callie Summitt | Mount Ida FFA

California
Genesis Juarez | Farmersville
Genevieve Grismer | Poway

Delaware
Maria Gutierrez Carcamo | Sussex Central

Florida
Nola Beighley | Lake Butler

Georgia
Jeffery Hendricks | Madison County High School
Molly Huff | Winder-Barrow

Idaho
Anna Hernandez | American Falls
Shaylee Taylor | American Falls
Haven Harley | Cambridge
Quinn Hoskins | Cambridge

Indiana
Parker Wicker | Rushville

Iowa
Isabelle Rouse | ACGC
Lily Moeller | Holland
Rachel Rollinger | Vinton-Shellsburg

Louisiana
Jase Mendez | Berwick High School

Michigan
Tori Burns | Alcona
Annette Jensen | Montague

Montana
Wybie Naber | Fergus of Lewiston
Shyanna Harma | Huntley Project

North Carolina
Toby Thompson | Swain County

North Dakota
Evan Olson | Oakes/Sargent Central
Jenilynn Hanson | Tioga
Vincent Strenge | Wyndmere

Oklahoma
Caylee McPherson | Minco
Logan Rhea | Newkirk
Abigail Thomason | Sallisaw
Rebecca Billings | Seiling

Oregon
Cadence Davidson | Astoria

Pennsylvania
Levi Ferster | Line Mountain-Mahantango

Rhode Island
Devon Cranston | Exeter West Greenwich

South Dakota
Emersen Lee | Lennox Sunstrom
Noah Schnee | McCook Central
Tanner Wallman | Miller

Tennessee
Grace Johnson | Beech
Colby Nuckles | Dobyns Bennett
Kendall Beard | Stewarts Creek

Texas
Terrell Reed | Abernathy

Virginia
Olivia Bryant | Chilhowie
Franco Abud | Courtland
Gary Vance | Spotswood

Washington
Kolton Moon | Adna
Kooper Moon | Adna
Kathryn Belles | Liberty

West Virginia
Sophie Layman | Ritchie County

Wyoming
Molly Oakley | Coal County

Chorus Members

California
Eli Wendt | Exeter

Colorado
Carmen Anarella | SoRoCo

Delaware
Elora Kline | Lake Forest

Florida
Andrea Blaha | New Smyrna Beach

Georgia
Ella Jenner | Ben Hill

Idaho
Isabelle Penuelas | Troy
Claudia Bishop | Troy

Illinois
Kelei Leab | Bushnell Prairie City
Jacob McCauley | Stark County

Kansas
Braxton Grimes | Minneapolis
Graham Foley | Tonganoxie

Louisiana
Madison Kyle | Berwick High School

Michigan
Ivy McClelland | Lenawee Tech Center AM

Minnesota
Anna Brennan | Byron
Lucia Martinez-Paredes | Sleep Eye

Montana
Aiden Fouhy | Scobey

Nevada
Julian Sosa | Battle Mountain

New Mexico
Dautry Waller | Mayfield

New York
Matthew Mulligan | John Jay

North Carolina
Ava Trice | Avery County

Ohio
Carolyn Koch | Blancester-Great Oaks

Pennsylvania
Hope Wagner | Little Dutchmen
Esther Bishop | Souther Tioga
Lauren Erson | Wilmington Area

South Carolina
Alyvia Pakkala | Travelers Rest High School

South Dakota
Michael Freeman | Ethan
Kaizha Blase | McCook Central
Paul Kaffar | McCook Central
Amanda Blare | Winner

Tennessee
Harlie Harris | Chuckey-Doak
Chelsea Hensley | Chuckey-Doak
Daniel Light | Stewarts Creek

Utah
Beck Burrell | Bear River

National FFA Talent - Mariachi Singer 1366x600

Talent Members

Alabama
Grace Underwood | Cherokee

Arkansas
Noah Gattis | County Line

California
Adrian Soto | Santa Rosa

Colorado
Taylor Kenney | Rye

Delaware
Taylor Wallace | Smyrna FFA Chapter

Georgia
Ian Edge | Crisp County
Emma Lawrence | Emanuel County Institute

Iowa
Kate Kristine | Diamond Trail
Samuel Robert | Williamsburg

Minnesota
Sami Tiede | Tri-City United

Missouri
Hayden Rolen | Thayer
Gracy Rouse | Thayer

Montana
Cort Fraker | Forsyth

New Mexico
Grady Hodnett | Mayfield High School
Trey Greeman | Silver

New York
Garret Gumlaw | Northern Adirondack

North Carolina
Lucas Maynard | North Iredell High School

North Dakota
Jenner Johnson | Rugby
Kristian Fritz | Rugby

Ohio
Abby Isler | River Valley

Oklahoma
Aaron Chestnut | Rush Springs

South Carolina
Lindsay Morris | McBee
Tennessee Mary Carter | Crockett County

Virginia
Leah Moore | Rappahannock

Washington
Ty Bodenhamer | Adna

Wisconsin
Ashlan Bruins | Waupun
Emanual County Institute | Waupun

Wyoming
Brody Medina | Cheyenne Frontier

Delegates at Convention

96th National FFA Convention & Expo Delegates Session

Student Perspective on Affiliation Committee Report

The Student Perspective on Affiliation recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | Model Flexibility

Implement opportunities for flexibility within Model 4 to provide for a three-year grace period for newly chartered chapters and apply clear and specific guidelines for a tier-change appeal process for chapters facing unique situations or structures.

Recommendation #2 | Accountability Tool

Adopt an accountability tool for membership reports by utilizing an electronic signature requirement for chapter advisors and school administration prior to roster submission to National FFA.

Recommendation #3 | Continued Implementation of Model 4

Continue to explore the adoption of Model 4 as the National FFA proceeds with the adoption of 100% affiliation.

Recommendation #4 | Reevaluate Affiliation Models and Timeline

Recommend that the 2023-2024 National FFA Officers create a second Student Perspective on Affiliation Committee to re-evaluate affiliation models and timelines. Including the capacity of states to fully affiliate, consider the financial impact, and member experience.

Allow for further research and consideration.
Give states time to accommodate for full affiliation.

Further Commentary

While Model 4 continues to be explored, continue to simplify tiers—specifically, the structure of tiers M and N.

State associations should continue to decide where the National FFA fee payments come from using states’ own discretion.

Committee Coordinator:
Matthew Eddy, State FFA Advisor, Iowa FFA Association

Board Liaison(s):
Matt Winkle & Aaron McKim

Committee Leadership

Chair
Karson Calvin | Missouri

First Vice Chair
Taylor Moffett | Arkansas

Second Vice Chair
Isaac Hawkins Jr. | Texas

Secretaries
Gracey Plemons | Tennessee
Mary Schrieber | Wisconsin

Sentinels
Caroline Growth | Kentucky
Alyssa Feather | South Dakota

Production Agriculture Opportunities Committee Report

The Production Agriculture Opportunities Committee recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | Vision Statement Change

Change the current vision statement, “Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.” to “Growing and supporting the next generation of agriculturists and leaders who will change the world.”

Recommendation #2 | Exclusive Internship Applications for National CDE/LDE Competitors

Cooperate with corporate partners to provide internship or competition mentorship opportunities for national-level CDE and LDE competitors through exclusive applications.

Recommendation #3 | Incorporate Precision Agriculture in Career Development Events

Our committee recommends evaluating the role of precision agriculture in CDEs. We recommend that this be completed by:

Create a precision agriculture CDE.
Incorporate precision agriculture into current CDEs.

Further Commentary

There was much discussion in our committee meeting about the importance of internship and mentorship opportunities for members. In our second recommendation, we suggest that National FFA CDE and LDE competitors be in a pool of exclusive applicants for internship opportunities in relation to the CDE or LDE of which they are a part.

Committee Coordinator:
Kurt Murray, Program Specialist, Oklahoma FFA Association

Board Liaison(s):
Deanna Schnuck & Barbara Jenkins

Committee Leadership

Chair
Lillie Cagle | Tennessee

First Vice Chair
Sam Tummons | Missouri

Second Vice Chair
Morgan Wilde | Utah

Secretaries
Camille Sonnier | Louisiana
Collin Bauer | Iowa

Sentinels
Ty MacDonald | North Dakota
Summit Browning | Montana

Student Voice Reassessment Committee Report

The Student Voice Reassessment Committee recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | Awareness Campaign

Create awareness of already available opportunities for students to provide input through an awareness campaign due to a lack of survey responses in the past.

Recommendation #2 | Public Hearing

Reevaluate the public hearing process’s time, date, and method aspects during the National Delegate Experience to expand access to chapter-level students and stakeholders.

Recommendation #3 | National Officer Round Table

Hold a National FFA Officer round table in each National FFA region where states can send representatives to meet with the National FFA officers to discuss pertinent issues within their state.

Recommendation #4 | Question Status Updates

Keep students updated on the status of their questions and concerns submitted to National FFA.

Further Commentary

Continue utilizing surveys through all National FFA programming to ensure students have the opportunity to voice their opinions.

Committee Coordinator:
Jason Gore | Program Coordinator | South Carolina FFA Association

Board Liaison(s):
Marc Beitia & Charles Parker

Committee Leadership

Chair
Luke Jennings | Ohio

First Vice Chair
Garrett Ammons | West Virginia

Second Vice Chair
Jael Cruikshank | Oregon

Secretaries
Anna Conway | Massachusetts
Anna Silkman | Connecticut

Sentinels
Chase Sherburne | New Jersey
Kelcey Weston | Virginia

The Committee On Nominating Committee Evaluation Report

The Committee on Nominating Committee Evaluation recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | Task Force Creation

The National FFA Board of Directors establish a task force consisting of past national nominating committee members, past national officers, and board members, to evaluate the current processes and procedures related to the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee.

Recommendation #2 | Task Force Areas of Consideration

The task force should consider the following:

Maximize online training for the nominating committee,
Reevaluate the schedule of the nominating committee.
Increase the number of candidates eliminated in the final advancement during the national officer selection process.

Further Commentary

We suggest the National FFA Organization investigate the recommendations in depth to alleviate stress in the nominating committee. We also urge the board to maintain the five competencies that the nominating committee evaluates and maintain the role of regions.

Committee Coordinator
Cindy Vance, Agricultural Educator, Virginia

Board Liaison(s)
Brandon Davis, Jessica Blythe & Travis Park

Committee Leadership

Chair
Jackson Baird | Kentucky

First Vice Chair
Kayelee Ehrisman | Florida

Second Vice Chair
Mirhonda Good | New Mexico

Secretaries
Macy Goodman | Georgia
Madison Hutson | Arkansas

Sentinels
Clayton Hetrick | Pennsylvania
Henry Koerner | Wisconsin

Expanding Student Opportunities Committee Report

The Expanding Student Opportunities Committee recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | National Level Discovery Opportunities

National FFA gradually offers a discovery division for competitions on the national level.

Recommendation #2 | Resource of Activities Concerning All Exceptionalities

Create a resource for students with differences including, but not limited to, workshop writing adaptations, gathering of audience demographics [IEPs, 504’s, disabilities (mental, physical, and linguistic)], expansion of inclusive language, and expansion of inclusive activities arsenal with disability inclusive activities. Make these resources available on the National FFA website.

Recommendation #3 | National FFA Important Dates List

Create an annual important “date at a glance” list in the FFA New Horizons Magazine and FFA website that includes deadlines, events with descriptions, and financial opportunities with links to the National FFA website.

Committee Coordinator
Carlos Lopez | Agriculture Educator | California

Board Liaison(s)
Daphne Bonaparte and Keith Dietzschold

Committee Leadership

Chair
Noah Dixon | Delaware

First Vice Chair
Ashton Luke | Mississippi

Second Vice Chair
Payton Ryba | Kansas

Secretaries
Zachary Hodgman | New Hampshire
Karina Mysse | Wyoming

Sentinels
Jack Stoppleworth | North Dakota

Transparent Communication Report

The Transparent Communication Committee recommends the following to the National FFA Board of Directors.

Recommendation #1 | FFA New Horizons “By Request” System

FFA New Horizons move to a “by request system” for teachers for classroom sets with lesson plans included or for individual students by request on the National FFA website by entering their student ID number to receive it for no extra cost.

Recommendation #2 | Board of Directors Communication

FFA New Horizons add a page in the magazine for the National FFA Board of Directors, which includes information about current board members, a summary of the most recent board meeting, and a QR Code to access the most recent board meeting minutes. National FFA should also provide this information through posts on social media. National FFA makes the board of directors information more accessible by board updates in FFA New Horizons and by adding a board of directors tab on the National FFA website. All board of directors minutes should be published and easily accessible on the website and should contain reasoning for all decisions.

Recommendation #3 | Inclusive Resources

Add translations in different languages to FFA resources and audio transcriptions to the National FFA website and FFA New Horizons magazine.

Further Commentary

National FFA create an informational mobile app to keep FFA members updated about what’s going on within National FFA and to provide further access to National FFA resources.

Look into creating a social media focus group to utilize members in creating content.

Committee Coordinator:
Ryan Inman, State FFA Executive Director, Tennessee FFA Association

Board Liaison(s):
Cheryl Zimmerman & Ben Lastly

Committee Leadership

Chair
Ian Heath | Georgia

First Vice Chair
Caleb Horne | Oklahoma

Second Vice Chair
Morgan Noorda | Nevada

Secretaries
Kylie Temple | Oregon
Josi Johnson | Mississippi

Sentinels
Brinley Rhodes | Utah
Kayden Ray | Alabama

Table of Contents

Convention News

National FFA Officers

Awards and Recognition

Convention Events

Proceedings Archives

2023

96th National FFA Convention & Expo

by the NUMBERS

SERVICE

STUDENT WORKSHOPS

TEACHER WORKSHOPS

Student Showcase Stage

LEADERSHIP

National FFA Expo

2022-23 National FFA Officer Team Retiring Addresses

2023-24 National FFA Officer Candidates

Western Region

Central Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

2023-24 National FFA Officer Candidates

Western Region

Central Region

Eastern Region

Southern Region

2023 Nominating Committee

2023-24 National FFA Officer Team

American Star Awards

American FFA Degrees

Career and Leadership Events (CDE/LDE)

Agricultural Proficiency Awards

Agribusiness | Agricultural Education Systems Pathways

Animal Systems Pathway

Animal Systems Pathway (Continued)

Food Products and Processing System Pathway

Plant System Pathway and Biotechnology, Environmental Service and Natural Resources Pathway

Power, Structural and Technical Systems Pathway

National FFA Agriscience Fair

96th National FFA
Convention & Expo

2022-23 National FFA Officer Team
Retiring Addresses

2023-24 National FFA Officer
Candidates

2023-24 National FFA Officer
Candidates