INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026/National FFA Organization) – Ten winners of the 2026 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the third 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 ten of the 45 categories during the third general convention session.

Agriscience Research – Animal Systems
Riley Piehl of the Santa Rosa FFA Chapter in California conducted four projects that explored reproductive management tools to improve labor efficiency and increase production in swine operations. In one study, she collaborated with the University of California, Davis and feed companies to evaluate the effects of creep feed on weaning weight and time to market in piglets. Piehl is supported by her parents, Patrick Piehl and Lisa Piehl, and by FFA advisors Adrianna Begley, Gayle Smith, and Lisa Piehl.

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship
Joseph Schohr of the Gridley FFA Chapter in California progressed in his supervised agricultural experience from helping his parents manage cattle to operating his own cattle enterprise. Through his SAE, he learned the foundations of breeding management, artificial insemination, herd health and selection, preparing him for a career as a certified bovine embryologist. Schohr is supported by his parents, Steven and Amanda Schohr and Melissa Schohr, and by FFA advisors Andrea Thomas, Madelyn Vaca, Nick Dreesmann, and Ryann Vierra.

Beef Production – Placement
Dylan McGregor of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in South Dakota worked at McGregor Livestock, a feedlot operation that managed approximately 3,000 head of cattle across two locations. His progress over the years in this role took him from carrying out small tasks to managing the operation, which entailed adhering to cattle welfare and health protocols, leading employees, running the business, and applying time management skills. McGregor is supported by his parents, Jeremy McGregor and Shawnya McGregor, and by FFA advisor Terry Rieckman.

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship
Lauren Silveira of the Chowchilla FFA Chapter in California raised a herd of registered Holstein heifers and cows for her entrepreneurial venture, Silver-Elite Holsteins. From 2022 to 2025, she grew her herd from 41 head to 92 and increased milk production per cow through improved nutrition and reproductive management. Silveira is supported by her parents, Johnny Silveira and Terianne Silveira, and FFA advisors Brian Evans, Annelise Perez, Katie Lord, Anthony T Cruz, Kaitlynn Linderholm and Angie Barney.

Dairy Production – Placement
Addison Johnson of the Alma FFA Chapter in Wisconsin gained dairy production skills at Trout Creek Dairy, an operation with 160 Holstein and Jersey cows and up to 130 calves and heifers. After becoming a herd manager, Johnson assumed full responsibility for daily herd health protocols, breeding, and culling decisions, actively managing operations with modern, sustainable stewardship. Johnson is supported by parents, Beau Johnson and Jenny Johnson, and FFA advisor Christine Jumbeck.

Diversified Agricultural Production- Entrepreneurship/Placement
Clayborn Lawrence of the Emanuel County Institute FFA Chapter in Georgia gained skills across a wide range of agricultural production areas by working on local farms and managing his own livestock operation. He has accumulated extensive experience in beef cattle, sheep, and hay production, custom combine harvesting, and agriculture business practices, which will help him achieve his career goal of owning a custom farm service business. Lawrence is supported by parents, Shannon Lawrence and Carol Lawrence, and by FFA advisors Tori Pellerin, Madison Nimmons, Reagyn Hamby and Justin Coleman.

Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Isabelle Williams of the Madison County High FFA Chapter in Georgia had two placement experiences. At Still Water Farm, a cow-calf operation, she assisted with herd health and reproduction, operated advanced agricultural equipment, and weaned and cared for calves. At Williams Farm, a small poultry operation, Williams’ responsibilities included managing flocks, building and updating facilities, and preparing eggs for distribution. Williams is supported by Jami Williams and FFA advisors Josh Whitworth, Alyssa Maxwell, Josh Daniel and Eryn Holton.

Equine Science – Entrepreneurship
Kynseth Zubrod of the Guthrie FFA Chapter in Oklahoma became co-owner and operator of a Percheron breeding and competitive hitch operation, where she managed up to 40 horses annually. Responsibilities included feeding, grooming, exercising, training, health management, breeding preparation, foaling management, and show preparation. Zubrod is supported by her parents, Chad Zubrod and Melissa Zubrod.

Equine Science – Placement
Hunter Skouby of the Ashland FFA Chapter in Missouri worked for a professional quarter horse trainer, gaining hands-on experience in training, managing, and showing high-quality reining horses. Working with professional trainers allowed Skouby to learn training techniques, client relations and business skills, confirming his goal to become a professional reining horse trainer. Skouby is supported by his parents, William Skouby and Leslie Skouby, and FFA advisors Rebekah Hammett and MacKenzie Black.

Agricultural Processing – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Aiden Schwebach of the Estancia FFA Chapter in New Mexico worked at his family’s 2,500-acre farm and malting facility. From 2023 to 2025, he started by learning barley processing and performing general farm operations, and ended up as head malt master, fully managing the malt facility and sales. Schwebach is supported by his parents, Ryan Schwebach and Shannon Schwebach, and by FFA advisor Kyle Metzger.

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.