INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, November 1, 2019/National FFA Organization) – Winners of the 2019 National Agricultural Proficiency Awards were announced on Friday, Nov. 1 during the fifth general session at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo. Awards were given in 47 categories.

Agricultural Communications – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Gabby Barber – Oklahoma

Gabby Barber of the Lawton FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) that is rooted in photography, writing and speaking with others. She got her start as chapter reporter, but grew that into becoming chief editor of her chapter newsletter and collaborating with the communications department for her school district to share information about the agricultural education program. Barber is supported by her parents, Felesha and Cary, and her FFA advisors, Pete Dempsey, Christopher Conway, Lindsey Hoerbert and Courtney Miller. Sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.

Agricultural Education – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Chloe Lynch – Georgia

Chloe Lynch of the Islands FFA Chapter in Georgia began her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) in 2015 when she became a departmental assistant to her agriculture teachers. The following year, she applied for a work-based learning education internship at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. There, she prepared lessons and educated students in a variety of schools. Lynch has since had more internships and experiences and plans to become an agriculture teacher in the future. She is supported by her parents, Joleen and Steve, and her FFA advisors, Myria Shipman and James Oliver. Sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation.

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Josh Heupel – California

Josh Heupel of the Merced-Golden Valley FFA Chapter in California was introduced to his family’s equipment fabrication operation at the age of four. He developed his passion for metal fabrication and welding. With the guidance of his family, he created new equipment for not only his family farm but for other farmers in the state. During his junior year, Heupel constructed a five-shank deep ripper to work on an orchard’s soil. He is supported by his parents, Jackie and Scott, and his FFA advisors, Cody Jacobsen, Vikki Davis, Corey Mesa and Rebecca Mendonza. Sponsored by Carry-On Trailer Corporation and Lincoln Electric.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship
Kyle Clark – Utah

Kyle Clark of the Spanish Fork FFA Chapter in Utah bought his first tractor, a Farmall Super C and worked with his neighbor, Gordon, and his father to work to fix it up and make it like new. This work led him to begin a business fixing tractors for himself and other people. Clark also performs maintenance on tractors for family and neighbors. He is supported by his parents, Jodi and John, and his FFA advisors, Kaylee Liddiard and Chaleesa Warren. Sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation, Cummins and Mystik Lubricants.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement
Andy Holscher – Ohio

Andy Holscher of the Upper Valley Career Center FFA Chapter in Ohio works at his family’s business, servicing and repairing lawnmowers and yard equipment. He started helping around the shop by doing simple jobs, like testing equipment for quality. However, his duties grew, and now he can be found working on a large John Deere riding lawnmower, using a small leaf blower, assisting customers or anything in between. Holscher is supported by his parents, Teresa and Marvin, and his FFA advisors, Michelle Brunson, Daniel Schmiesing, Deborah Stanfield, James Metz, Michaella Quinter and John Kreitze. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Agricultural Processing – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brayden Ingram – Arkansas

Brayden Ingram of the Har-ber FFA Chapter in Arkansas has worked at the War Eagle Processing Plant since he was in the ninth grade. Local cattle and pig farmers comprise most of the operation’s customers. When the farmers drop off their animals, instructions are written down as to how the meat should be cut and packaged. Ingram’s duties include sorting the live animals and moving them toward the kill chute. He is supported by his parents, Stephanie and Mike, and his FFA advisors, Patti Priest, Seth Jones, Jonathan Roberts and Justin Mitchell. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship
Braylee Finck – Illinois

Braylee Finck of the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter in Illinois operates a floral design business called Petals & Blooms. She prepares arrangements for proms, weddings, funerals, showers and graduations. She is completely in charge of all business purchases, sales and designs. Finck has hired assistants to support her work as well. She is supported by her parents, Selina and Nick, and her FFA advisor, Cassie Crouch. Sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions and Valent USA Corporation.

Agricultural Sales – Placement
Jessica Brogdon – Georgia

Jessica Brogdon of the Walnut Grove FFA Chapter in Georgia works for a local florist. She works in the sales shop, constructs floral arrangements and assists with daily deliveries. From the florist, she learned how to design arrangements, increasing her skills to also work at weddings and special events like ceremonies and receptions. Brogdon is supported by her parents, Paula and Shawn, and her FFA advisors, Abby Needham-Nash and Kelly Shaw. Sponsored by Cargill/Provimi and Fastenal.

Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Cade Riggin – Kansas

Cade Riggin of the Riverton FFA Chapter in Kansas works for his family’s custom harvesting business, harvesting crops for farmers who may not have the proper equipment or time to do the task themselves. He travels across multiple states to complete the tasks – including Texas, Colorado and Idaho. Riggin harvests wheat, corn, barley, safflower and flaxseed. Riggin is supported by his parents, Mary and Earl, and his FFA advisor, Jacob Larison. Sponsored by Red Brand.

Agriscience Research – Animal Systems
Riley Luginbill – Oklahoma

Riley Luginbill of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has conducted three research projects designed to improve the performance of racehorses. Her initial project tested horses’ cardiovascular health based on which feed ration would best maintain a quicker recovery rate in performance horses. Her most recent project evaluated three types of iron boosting supplements for horses to determine which can best maintain a steady level of red blood cell counts to prevent anemia. Luginbill is supported by her parents, Jeannie and Bryan, and her advisors, Robby Branscum, Bailey Kliewer and Carl Nipper. Sponsored by Zoetis.

Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems
Lauren Roberts – Florida

Lauren Roberts of the Trenton FFA Chapter in Florida gained the inspiration for her research project when she gave a speech in the seventh grade about the declining honey bee population. The goal of her research was to find a feasible plant- and bee-safe repellent that would keep bees away from pesticide-sprayed crops. She eventually narrowed it down to three nonlethal repellents. Roberts is supported by her parents, Franne and Jason, and her FFA advisor, Ashley Thoron. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems
Mackenzie Camacho – California

Mackenzie Camacho of the O’Neals-Minarets FFA Chapter in California has focused her research on testing and experimenting with bacteria, fungus and fungicides in fruit production. Her first project had her testing the effectiveness of rinsing fruits and vegetables with tap water to remove bacteria, discovering that the process does not remove a significant amount. This led to focusing on a specific fungus that occurs in walnuts. Camacho is supported by her parents, Tammy and Brett, and her FFA advisors, Richard Chapman, Keeley Hall, Kristann Mattes, Kenna Sandberg, Jessica Sweet and Kaitlyn McDonough. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship
Trey Denny – Texas

Trey Denny of the Detroit FFA Chapter in Texas is a third-generation rancher who utilizes breeding cattle and market steers to produce high-quality beef using sound management practices efficiently. His grandfather gave him three commercial cows when he was two years old. Today, he is the proud owner of 67 commercial females, two commercial herd bulls, 33 registered Red Angus cows as well as 88 commercial and 24 registered replacement females. Denny is supported by his parents, Tracy and Todd, and his FFA advisors, Tracy Denny and Morris Mortensen. Sponsored by Merck Animal Health and Rabo AgriFinance.

Beef Production – Placement
Duncan Patton – Georgia

Duncan Patton of the Madison County High School FFA Chapter in Georgia started his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) with only basic beef cattle management skills that he picked up while riding with his dad to work the family’s cattle herd: feeding cattle, rotating pastures, opening a tractor and bush hog and building fences. He has taken on many more responsibilities as time progressed, including vaccinating and deworming cattle, managing nutrition requirements and weaning cattle. Patton is supported by his parents, Melanie and Jim, and his FFA advisors, Kathrine Bell, Kalie Hall Blevins, Josh Daniel and Cindy Jones. Sponsored by Zoetis.

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship
Rachel Sherman – Ohio

Rachel Sherman of the Big Walnut-DACC FFA Chapter in Ohio began her herd with a gift of one heifer from her parents. That one heifer grew to nine lactating cows and four heifers. She has grown her herd to be representative of all six main breeds of dairy cattle and has focused on strengthening her enterprise through the use of good management practices and continued use of genetic selection. Sherman is supported by her parents, Rose and Ken, and her FFA advisor, Jeffrey Stimmell. Sponsored by New Holland.

Dairy Production – Placement
Joanna Frankenberg – Ohio

Joanna Frankenberg of the New Bremen FFA Chapter in Ohio works on her family’s dairy farm, assisting in the management of a 120 Holstein cow herd and an additional 120 heifers. They also farm 480 acres of land, cultivating corn, grass hay, soybeans and wheat – all of which goes directly into feeding and caring for the herd. Frankenberg started helping on the farm at the age of five. She’s learned much about emerging technology related to the farm, including robotic management, no-till and more. She is supported by her parents, Kathryn and Steven, and her FFA advisor, Maria Homan. Sponsored by Kuhn North America and Nasco Farm & Ranch.

Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jacob Wuebker – Ohio

Jacob Wuebker of the Versailles FFA Chapter in Ohio is the fourth generation to work on his family farm. The operation produces 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa hay in addition to raising 2,000 sows from farrow to wean and 200 dairy steers on a feedlot. His tasks vary, ranging from feeding and breeding sows to servicing equipment and spreading and applying manure. Wuebker is supported by his parents, Dena and Jeff, and his FFA advisors, Dena Wuebker and Taylor Bergman. Sponsored by Firestone Ag and Ram Trucks.

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship
Ryan Muggli – North Dakota

Ryan Muggli of the Grant County FFA Chapter in North Dakota operates a farm of 790 acres, producing wheat, corn, soybeans, oil sunflowers and rye. He started in 2015 with 210 acres after years of riding along in the tractor with his father and learning what it was to be a good farmer. Every decision to be made in the operation is made by Muggli, including what to group, purchasing inputs like seed, fertilizer and fuel, and more. He is supported by his parents, Andrea and Tim, and his FFA advisor, Pete Hetle. Sponsored by CHS Foundation.

Diversified Crop Production – Placement
Justin Scott – Ohio

Justin Scott of the Indian Valley FFA Chapter in Ohio works on his cousin’s 1,200-acre farm. The operation is a 50-50 rotation between yellow dent corn and soybeans. His cousin has slowly empowered him to take on more responsibilities, beginning with cleaning equipment and operating tillage implements and working to maintaining and repairing equipment, transporting grain and making management decisions. Scott is supported by his parents, Sommer and Tim, and his FFA advisor, David Stiles. Sponsored by Agrelient.

Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Cameron Matthews – Indiana

Cameron Matthews of the Shenandoah FFA Chapter in Indiana has a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) that includes the production, marketing and sale of a wide variety of plants and other services he offers. In 2018, he grew and marketed 406 hardy mums, 500 zonal cut geraniums, 400 seed geraniums, 104 decorative cabbage plants, 300 petunias, 800 gourds and more. He also tilled eleven gardens and mowed six and a half acres. Matthews has also learned how to advertise, utilizing social media and farmers markets to do business. He is supported by his father, Shawn, and his FFA advisors, Caroline Kuhn, Steve Hickey and Tammie Gadberry. Sponsored by The Toro Company.

Diversified Livestock – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Amelia Liebhart – Missouri

Amelia Liebhart of the Bucklin FFA Chapter in Missouri raises registered Salers beef cattle, crossbred swine and Boer goats. She currently has 18 cows, nine bred heifers and 17 calves. She also works on the family farm, feeding, vaccinating and working cattle. She also assists with crop production and checking, building and repairing fence. Liebhart is supported by her parents, Lisa and Russ, and her FFA advisor, Valerie Montgomery. Sponsored by BeKaert Corporation, Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Caitlynn Oswald – Florida

Caitlynn Oswald of the Deane Bozeman High School FFA Chapter in Florida has served as the leader of a project initiated with a partnership between her chapter and the St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association. Together they’ve worked to improve wildlife habitat and maintain shoreline. Her efforts led to the restoration of more than 500 feet of shoreline in one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Oswald is supported by her parents, Brigget and Todd, and her FFA advisor, Becky Peltonen. Sponsored by CHS Foundation.

Equine Science – Entrepreneurship
Niamh Sexton – Wisconsin

Niamh Sexton of the Waupaca FFA Chapter in Wisconsin has a passion for horses that began at a very young age, beginning to ride horses at the age of two. She acquired her first horse when she was five years old, a Cob Pony named Moon. Today, she owns three quarter horse geldings, and she is active in many equine clubs and groups. Sexton is supported by her parents, Melissa and Gearoid, and her FFA advisors, Rene Lehman and Jenifer Erb. Sponsored by Zoetis and Red Brand.

Equine Science – Placement
Jonni Biren – Minnesota

Jonni Biren of the Russell Tyler Ruthton FFA Chapter in Minnesota works for a six-horse hitch of Shire geldings called Dakota Thunder Shires. She helps drive the horses, cleans stalls, feeds up to 12 head of horses, grooms and provides other care and support. Biren looks forward to owning her own Belgian draft horses. She is supported by her parents, Carol and John, and her FFA advisor, Jennifer Boersma. Sponsored by Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment and Tractor Supply Company.

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Brayden Schultz – Minnesota

Brayden Schultz of the United South Central FFA Chapter in Minnesota works on his family’s cash crop farm, raising soybeans on a rotating basis on more than 1,500 acres. He is the fourth generation of his family to farm the land. Starting to help at the age of eight, he now is tasked with operating the semi to pull the grain, spraying and tilling. Schultz applies hog manure to the fields to fertilize. He is supported by his parents, Kaprice and Jeff, and his FFA advisor, Dan Dylla. Sponsored by Bunge North America.

Food Science and Technology – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Caden Zotter – Texas

Caden Zotter of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has two aspects to his supervised agricultural experience (SAE). The first helps various hunting outfits collect disease data in harvested wildlife used for food consumption in order to improve food safety for hunters and those who enjoy eating wild meat. While a sophomore in high school, he also began working at a local supermarket, helping with food safety and inspection. Zotter is supported by his parents, Brenda and Joe and his FFA advisors, Chase Fulton, Jeff Klose, D’Arcy Roberts and Jennifer Warren. Sponsored by Pilgrim’s.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Tate Ahlvers – Kansas

Tate Ahlvers of the Beloit FFA Chapter in Kansas works on his family farm, working 9,000 acres across four counties. Twelve-hundred of those acres is for forage production. On average, the operation produces around 2,000 alfalfa bales and 3,000 straw bales each year. Ahlvers uses a number of management techniques to increase production, including fertilizing all of the ground in the winter off- season, thus maintaining the organic matter in the soil. He is supported by his parents, Angie and Scott, and his FFA advisor, Jacob Rutledge. Sponsored by Claas of America.

Forest Management & Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Augustus C. Holt – Kentucky

Augustus C. Holt of the LaRue County FFA Chapter in Kentucky works in a logging operation with his father. He has several responsibilities, including cutting logs to size, loading logs onto the truck, pulling logs in the skidder or dozer, clearing creek beds and maintaining equipment. In order to legally cut roads and drag logs, loggers have to prevent erosion and keep waterways clean. After finishing his service with the Marine Corps Reserves, Holt plans to get a degree in forestry from the University of Kentucky. He is supported by his parents, Cara and Matthew, and his FFA advisors, Misty Bivens and Chris Thomas. Sponsored by John Deere.

Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Austin Dotterer – Ohio

Austin Dotterer of the Smithville FFA Chapter in Ohio began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) because he wanted to help his aunt and uncle who own a blackberry farm of about 2,400 plants. When he began, his only responsibilities were picking, cutting out old growth and lateral training. He has since learned most aspects of raising the fruit, including wedding, equipment care and primocane training. Dotterer is supported by his parents, Amy and Steve, and his FFA advisor, Stephen Heppe. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Goat Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Tara Hummel – Illinois

Tara Hummel of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Illinois has been involved in her family’s livestock operation for as long as she can remember. Her early chores included walking show goats, helping feed and just spending time in the barn. Since then, she’s learned about systematically and effectively running a small ruminant business in addition to necessary management practices. Hummel plans on eventually taking over the family business. She is supported by her parents, Holly and Dale, and her FFA advisor, Diana Loschen. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Grain Production – Entrepreneurship
Lane Partin – Tennessee

With his father and grandfather, Lane Partin of the Obion County Central FFA Chapter in Tennessee is a partner in Hampton & Partin Farms. His operation is 96 acres, 45 of which are in corn production. He rotates his crops each year, vacillating between corn and soybeans. Partin and his father came to an agreement when he began that he would work on his father’s land in exchange for the use of his father’s equipment. He is supported by his parents, Angie and Tim, and his FFA advisors, Stuart Watskon and Sarah Frazier. Sponsored by Valent USA Corporation.

Grain Production – Placement
Jakob Weinheimer – Texas

A fourth-generation farmer, Jakob Weinheimer of the Claude FFA Chapter in Texas started helping on the farm before he was nine years old, given the task of operating the grain cart. The family operation has 8,000 acres, much of which is devoted to corn, wheat, millet and milo. Weinheimer regularly maintains the equipment and, during harvest, continues to operate the grain cart. He is supported by his parents, Samantha and Jarret and his advisors, Jessica Koetting and Garrett Scitern. Sponsored by Wilbur-Ellis Company.

Home and/or Community Development – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kelly Price – Virginia

Kelly Price of the Appomattox FFA Chapter in Virginia is a certified EMT, member of the Appomattox County Volunteer Rescue Squad and member of the Red House Volunteer Fire Department. She spends her time participating in training workshops and recruitment programs and answering calls. Price finished her EMT certification in fall 2018. She is supported by her mother, Angela, and her FFA advisors, Elizabeth Duncan, Ed McCann and Hannah Simpson. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Landscape Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jase Hollas – Texas

Jase Hollas of the Schulenburg FFA Chapter in Texas began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) when his father challenged him to do a better job caring for the yards than he had done. The next morning, he loaded a push mower, weed eater and supplies into the back of his truck and Hollas Lawn Care was started. His work was soon noticed by neighbors and he gained more clients. His responsibilities include installation of plans, mowing, maintaining records and more. Hollas is supported by his parents, Tonia and Shane, and his FFA advisors, Amanda Gibbs, Amy Hartman and Brad Lux. Sponsored by Briggs and Stratton Corporation, Inc.

Nursery Operations – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kylynn Mallen – Missouri

When her mother started her retail greenhouse, Kylynn Mallen of the Cameron FFA Chapter in Missouri took her role in the new business, too. Summers before high school were spent learning the tricks of the trade and when freshman year rolled around, she knew exactly how to contribute. Mallen leases 50 percent of the greenhouse space where she grows 7,740 bedding and nursery plants, selling to both landscape professionals and local gardeners. She is supported by her parents, Julie and Joseph, and her FFA advisors, Carmen Buller and Chris Henderson. Sponsored by Nufarm Americas.

Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Dawson Peek – Georgia

Dawson Peek of the Lowndes High FFA Chapter in Georgia works on the family’s 1,600-acre operation, offering guided quail hunts with dogs and sporting clay courses. The courses include a five stand with a wobble trap, a 225-yard rifle range, a 40-yard pistol range and more. Peeks has learned to operate, maintain, and repair agricultural equipment, including trap machines, tractors, and mowers. He is supported by his parents, Mary Catherine and John Sherman, and his FFA advisors, James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Anglia Crosby. Sponsored by Yamaha Motor Corporation USA.

Poultry Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Dylan Dent – Georgia

Dylan Dent of the Wayne County High School FFA Chapter in Georgia owns his own poultry production business, Windy Hill Waterfowl. He produces 36 breeds of ducks, five breeds of geese, two breeds of swans and three breeds of chickens. His operation has grown to include three incubators, 13 covered pens, five outside pens, seven brooders and three grow-out pens. Dent is supported by his parents, Calysta and James, and his FFA advisors, Reggie Beasley, Nick Hodges, Michael Kirkland and Cole Madray. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

Sheep Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Reese Wilson – Texas

Reese Wilson of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas has a placement supervised agricultural experience (SAE) with Wilson Hair Sheep, his family’s Dorper sheep operation. The commercial and show operation has 112 mature Dorper ewes, 40 ewe lambs and ten rams on 262 acres. The farm begins lambing its commercial flock in August and continues throughout the winter and spring. The lambs are weaned and sold at approximately 75 days of age. Wilson is supported by his parents, DawnAnn and David, and his FFA advisors, Ryan Best, Savannah Bowers, Brock Burch and Jordan Smith. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Small Animal Production and Care – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Mary Timm – Indiana

Mary Timm of the North Putnam FFA Chapter in Indiana received her first sugar glider in 2012, deciding to breed them for her supervised agricultural experience (SAE). When she began, she worked with a breeder who was retiring after 25 years, allowing her to take over the operation. As the owner of GlidingLight, she has built the business, adding six breeding cages to the 14 she originally acquired. Timm is supported by her parents, Angela and Mark, and her FFA advisors, Katrina Skirvin and Janna Oxford. Sponsored by Elanco Animal Health and Tractor Supply Company.

Specialty Animal Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Graydon Colbaugh – Tennessee

Graydon Colbaugh of McMinn County FFA began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) working at Bell Springs Fishery in Riceville, Tenn. He started off feeding the trout and performing small tasks, such as repairing water lines, while being supervised. As his skills increased, so did his responsibilities and roles. He now manages the 2,000 rainbow trout produced at the fishery, which includes creating feeding schedules, looking for signs of sickness while feeding and monitoring the baby trout. He also manages customer sales and keeps records of fish health. Colbaugh is supported by his parents, Jennifer and Greg Colbaugh, and his advisors, Brittany Davis, Angela Shaver, and Scott Shaver. Sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Garrett Slagell – Oklahoma

Garrett Slagell of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has been involved in all stages of production on his family farm for as long as he can remember. One of the specialty crops on the farm are ornamental gourds. Sitting on 60 acres, the gourds are planted in April and harvested in October. Slagell’s tasks include planting, harvesting, packaging and shipping. He is supported by his parents, Kendra and Chris, and his FFA advisor, Chris Klaassen. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Swine Production – Entrepreneurship
Abigayle Bartholomew – Tennessee

Abigayle Bartholomew of the Lexington FFA Chapter in Tennessee has sows that have been linebred for 35 years but she also occasionally adds a new boar to increase genetic diversity. Her herd consists of 16 Duroc sows, seven replacement Duroc gilts, one crossbred sow, one replacement crossbred gilt and one replacement Chester White gilt. Her day-to-day duties include feeding appropriate rations, repairing facilities, preparing show pigs for upcoming shows and advertising to customers. Bartholomew is supported by her parents, Angie and Derek, and her FFA advisor, Dakota Brasher. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Swine Production – Placement
Cade Snethen – Indiana

Cade Snethen of the Benton Central FFA Chapter in Indiana works at a confinement feeding operation raising swine. The operation is wean-to-finish and houses approximately 4,200 hogs at a time. He manages the entire barn, handling everything from physical maintenance to administering vaccinations that ensure the integrity of the herd health. Snethen is supported by his parents, Rachel and Jeff, and his FFA advisor, Amanda Mullins. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Turf Grass Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jacob Pooler – Tennessee

Jacob Pooler of the Paris FFA Chapter in Tennessee works for Tri Turf Sod Farms, helping to grow Bermuda, Zoysia and Fescue grasses on 800 acres that are used to establish lawns on golf courses, athletic fields and residential areas. In summers he operates machinery, and in the fall he cuts sod, either putting the sod on pallets or cutting strips for rolls and transferring to semi-trailers. Pooler is supported by his parents, Tina and Jason, and his FFA advisors, Ryan Inman and Laura Moss. Sponsored by John Deere.

Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Levi Alsum – Wisconsin

Levi Alsum of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his family’s operation, supplying fresh sweet corn and other fruits and vegetables to customers within a 100-mile radius. The farm covers 400 acres. He and his brother operate a roadside stand, selling tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins, cucumbers and other vegetables. Alsum is supported by his parents, Lona and Scott, and his FFA advisor, Keith Gundlach. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.

Veterinary Science – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Katherine Mohr – Nebraska

Katherine Mohr of the Twin River FFA Chapter in Nebraska has been a veterinary assistant for the last three years. She has assisted with equipment maintenance, restraining animals during procedures, cleaning kennels and performing blood draws. Mohr’s skills have developed enough to allow her to perform a bovine caesarean section. She plans to return to the practice as a veterinarian after she’s earned her degree. She is supported by her parents, Anne and Allan, and her FFA advisor, Kelsey Wetovick. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kayla Reed – Wisconsin

Kayla Reed of the Pulaski FFA Chapter in Wisconsin started helping her dad monitoring lake water by collecting samples for the Citizens Lake Monitoring Network when she was in the seventh grade. Since then, she’s taken on more endeavors in the proficiency area, including working on a bullhead diet study and a juvenile walleye growth study. Reed has also created a small wildlife food plot in her backyard. She is supported by her parents, Kim and Grant, and her FFA advisors, Kaleb Santy, Cedric Pettis and Terry Erdmann. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of more than 700,000 student members as part of 8,600 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, Twitter, and the official news page of the National FFA Organization.

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.