INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026/National FFA Organization) – Seven winners of the 2026 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the second session of the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo on Thursday, Oct. 22, 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.

Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brody Medina of the Cheyenne Frontier FFA Chapter in Wyoming served as the first communications intern for Wyoming FFA, and as social media coordinator for Frontier Livestock. As a writer, he has also published more than 23 articles in local, regional, and national agriculture-focused publications. Medina is supported by his parents, John Medina and Katie Medina, and by FFA advisor Joseph Allen.

Agricultural Sales–Entrepreneurship
Tatum Lancaster of the Tillamook FFA Chapter in Oregon started Western Grace Floral Co. in 2024, making homecoming corsages and boutonnieres. She expanded the business to include special events and weddings, as well as paid floral design classes that she teaches. Her skills have grown to include marketing, budgeting and finances, diversifying techniques, and other business practices to make her company successful. Lancaster is supported by her parents, Ryan Lancaster and Freynie Lancaster, and by FFA advisors Hayden Bush and Bella Giraud.

Agricultural Sales – Placement
Zachariah Mosley of the DeLand FFA Chapter in Florida worked at a livestock feed manufacturer and supplier serving producers throughout the local agriculture community. His responsibilities evolved from entry-level labor to managing inventory, providing customer service, making daily operational decisions and representing the company at livestock shows by promoting feed products, discussing nutrition programs and assisting customers. Mosley is supported by parents, Jefferson Mosley and Lorraine Mosley, and FFA advisors Brett Brandner and Andrew Peck.

Agricultural Services– Entrepreneurship/Placement
Wyatt Parker of the Cherokee FFA Chapter in Oklahoma partnered with his brother to establish a custom baling business, baling for up to 17 farmers across their county. As business grew, investments were made in equipment, including a tractor, a baler and a trailer. He acquired essential skills, such as networking, finance, and equipment maintenance, to further his plans for a career in production agriculture. Parker is supported by his parents, Shane Parker and Chris Parker, and by FFA advisor Christy Snider.

Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kaytlin Billenstein of the Ridgemont FFA Chapter in Ohio began her supervised agricultural experience as a student assistant coordinator and, over five years, increased her responsibilities to become senior agricultural education program lead. She developed and delivered lessons, coordinated agricultural advocacy events, mentored 135 FFA members, and helped teach more than 1,150 youth about agriculture. Billenstein is supported by her parents, Adam Billenstein and Jessica Billenstein, and FFA advisors Stephanie Jolliff and Lori Romie.

Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems
Madilyn Bishop of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma conducted multi-year research focused on improving egg freshness, hatchability, and fertility detection using non-invasive methods. Over five projects, each built on the previous one, she demonstrated increasing independence, technical skill, and the ability to apply agricultural science to real-world poultry production challenges.  Bishop is supported by her parents, Alex Bishop and Brandi Bishop, and FFA advisors Carl Nipper, Robby Branscum, and Bailey Kliewer.

Service-Learning
Addison Winchester of the Hawkinsville High School FFA Chapter in Georgia created, organized and led Mighty Showmanship, an event that provided inclusive and accessible livestock-showing opportunities for youth. Winchester managed all event coordination, volunteers and mentors, safety procedures and community outreach. Winchester is supported by parents, Nichole Winchester and Ricky Winchester, and by FFA advisor Katie Maddox.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 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 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 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.