Indianapolis(Friday, Oct. 31, 2025) – Seven winners of the 2025 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the sixth session of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo on Friday, Oct. 31, which is being held in Indianapolis.

Agricultural proficiency awards honor FFA members who, through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), 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.

Today, awards were announced for seven of the 45 categories during the second general convention session.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Olivia Faith Hogg of the LaGrange High FFA in Georgia had an SAE that involved working with the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization. Hogg conducted a field study that included collecting and delivering water samples to study macroinvertebrates and how they can be indicators of water quality. Hogg is supported by parents, Charles and Tabatha, and FFA advisor Jessica Bowden.

Forest Management and Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Elizabeth Griner of the Pierce County FFA in Georgia had an SAE project working for her family’s agribusiness. Griner’s responsibilities included harvesting pine oleoresin, distilling turpentine and rosin, and managing the office. Alongside the daily operations at the business, Griner also launched Forest and Fields, offering educational resources that empower people to become more responsible and informed land stewards. Griner is supported by her parents, Chip and Julie, and her FFA advisors Seth Prescott and John Ratliff.

Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Maggie Rose Taylor of the Perry Central FFA in Indiana has a future objective to be an interpretive naturalist. Taylor’s SAE involved working at O’Bannon Woods State Park Nature Center, at the campsite and main gate collection. Taylor worked to help others with game laws, natural resource management, and historical preservation laws. Taylor is supported by parents, Chad and Jill, and FFA advisor Carrie Guillaume.

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kizer Schneberger of the Carnegie FFA in Oklahoma has an entrepreneurship SAE in wildlife management that involves trapping turtles and furbearing animals and selling them to buyers licensed by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. Schneberger sells hides used in the garment industry to create sustainably produced clothing and apparel. His trapped turtles are shipped to market for human consumption, and the turtle shells are utilized in the craft industry. Schneberger is supported by his parents, Jared and Crystal, and his FFA advisor, Kane Kinion.

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Hunter Sims of the Scotts Hill FFA in Tennessee owns HS Jigs, a business that makes, sells, and markets various fishing lures. Sims has expanded his operation to offer nationwide shipping, prepares custom and bulk orders, and often presents his products at nationally ranked fishing tournaments. Sims is supported by his parents, Kevin and Wendy, and his FFA advisors Winston Edgin and Madison Edgin.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship
Casey Vannoy of the North Shelby FFA in Missouri operates V and R Small Engines, an independent repair and resale business focused on small gas-powered equipment, including chainsaws, weed eaters, and push mowers. Vannoy specializes in diagnosing and repairing carburetors, fuel systems, ignition components, and exhaust assemblies for major brands.Vannoy is supported by his parents, Kevin and Deanna, and his FFA advisors Tim Davis, Jenny Bradley, and Harold Eckler.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement
Mitchell Herigon of the Boonville FFA in Missouri has worked for two local businesses — as a technician for a hardware store and as an auto mechanic intern. Herigon’s experience has allowed him to gain skills in diagnostics, parts sourcing, repairs and fabrication. He also learned how to use financial and accounting tools, market analysis tools, and how to maintain inventory and order parts. Herigon is supported by his parents, Keith and Laura, and his FFA advisors, Douglas Henke and Deanna Schnuck.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,207 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.