INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026/National FFA Organization) – Thirteen winners of the 2026 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the fifth session of the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo on Friday, Oct. 23, 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 13 of the 45 categories during the fifth general convention session.

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems
Trenton Felton of the Clewiston FFA Chapter in Florida conducted a multi-year investigation to optimize fungicide management for orange rust fungal disease in a cultivated sugarcane variety. Felton’s role evolved from independent researcher to leading a field study conducted through a professional research partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. Felton is supported by Lashayla Patterson and by FFA advisors Jose Llossas, Justice-Ann Dominguez, and Tylyn Tarter.

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship
Lane Carter of the Audrain Co. R-VI FFA Chapter in Missouri worked in three areas of crop production for his supervised agricultural experience: soybeans, corn and hay. In 2025, he farmed 90 acres of corn and soybeans and produced 560 bales of hay. While focusing on improved soil quality and input management, he also strengthened skills in balancing multiple enterprises and maintaining profitability. Carter is supported by his parents, the late Alan Carter and Leslie Carter, and by FFA advisor Stacy French.

Diversified Crop Production – Placement
Jackson Alves of the Hamilton City-Hamilton FFA Chapter in California worked on his family’s 2,000-acre farm in the production of rice, hay, olive, almond, corn and wheat. Through this experience, he learned about successful agriculture business practices, operating large equipment, analyzing crop health and determining irrigation cycles, and made plans to become a successful rice farm manager in the future. Alves is supported by his parents, Rich Alves and Amy Alves, and by FFA advisors Ashley Thorpe, Janice Lohse and Andrew Martin.

Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Zachary Allen of the Guthrie FFA Chapter in Oklahoma operated A-Z Lawncare, a diversified horticultural enterprise offering landscape installation, sod work, flowerbed design, seasonal plant sales, shrub and tree care, mulch installation, and plant-based property improvements. Allen grew the business from a one-person operation to a team of seven employees, and he plans to continue advancing the enterprise as a career.

Allen is supported by his parents, John Allen and Karen Allen, and FFA advisors Clay Drake, Savahanna Rennick and Dusty Oldenburg.

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Larson Hall of the Clopton FFA Chapter in Missouri worked at Hall Farms, a 3,000-acre row-crop family farm, where she managed approximately 1,500 acres of soybeans each year. In this experience, she learned how to efficiently produce a high-quality oil crop by improving planting accuracy, reducing input waste, and increasing crop yield. Hall is supported by his parents, Robert Hall and Suzanne Hall, and FFA advisor Kaylee Conderman.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jonathan Cromer of the Ridgemont FFA Chapter in Ohio managed forage production on his family’s farm, including 100 acres of hay and 45 acres of corn silage, harvested up to five cuttings annually, and ensured proper storage. He also learned to compare, analyze, and choose the best seed, chemical, fertilizer, and other farm management practices to ensure excellent crops. Cromer is supported by his parents, Nathan Cromer and Amanda Cromer, and FFA advisors Stephanie Jolliff and Lori Romie.

Fruit and Nut Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement      
Cole Schweizer of the Savannah FFA Chapter in Missouri worked at Schweizer Orchards, where he assisted in planting and maintaining a wide variety of fruit, including apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, grapes, and gooseberries. His work involved problem-solving with equipment, implementing solutions to optimize production, and taking on greater responsibility for the overall success of farm operations. Schweizer is supported by his parents, Cory Schweizer and Allison Schweizer, and FFA advisors Jessica Aeschliman, Mikaila Livingston and Jeff Baumann.

Grain Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Karsen Sprang of the Kenton-OHP FFA Chapter in Ohio started out in a placement position, gaining experience in corn planting, grain handling, harvesting and equipment maintenance. He soon expanded into entrepreneurship, growing his own corn production operation from a small 3-acre crop project into a 205-acre commercial grain-farming business. Sprang is supported by Scott Sprang and FFA advisors Patrick Miller and Matthew Roth.

Landscape Installation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jose Yepez of the Greenville FFA Chapter in Texas gained experience by running his business, Yepez Signature Landscape, a full-service outdoor business dedicated to designing, installing, and maintaining residential and commercial properties. Yepez’s offerings of detailed landscape designs and custom hardscape and softscape installations for clients built his enterprise into a thriving six-figure business. Yepez is supported by Edith Yepez and by FFA advisors Ryan Driggers, Meaghan Calverley, Chance Hamilton, Taylor Cathey and Kristi Thompson.

Nursery Operations – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jonah Deming of the White County High School FFA Chapter in Georgia worked in nursery management at one of the largest bonsai nurseries in the southeastern U.S. Deming gained valuable experience in daily plant care and maintenance, nursery operations, and marketing and sales that will be essential to him pursuing a future career as a horticulturist specializing in ornamental production. Deming is supported by his parents, Jonathan Deming and Melissa Deming, and FFA advisors Dustin Keener, Amanda Keener and Makenna Mabrey.

Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Haley McNaull of the Ashland FFA Chapter in Ohio started her chrysanthemum business, Hilltop Mums, in 2023, growing mums for nonprofits to sell for fundraisers and to market at her roadside retail stand. She plans to own and operate a commercial greenhouse and nursery after earning a degree in horticulture .McNaull is supported by her parents, Greg McNaull and Julie McNaull, and FFA advisor Tod Fox.

Turf and Landscape Maintenance – Entrepreneurship/Placement
James Coleman Rogers of the McKinney Boyd FFA Chapter in Texas ran a successful entrepreneurship lawn care business that provided mowing and lawn maintenance services to residential clients. From 2024 to 2025, Rogers more than doubled his clientele. His career objective is to grow his lawn care business into a full-service landscape management company. Rogers is supported by parents Erik and Carrie Rogers and FFA advisors Kaitlin Tyler and Trenton Whan.

Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Carson Reiman of the Gothenburg FFA Chapter in Nebraska started his own business, Reiman Spuds, growing, marketing, and selling potatoes. He increased the pounds of potatoes produced from 4,500 to 13,000 between 2022 and 2024.  His goal is to work in agricultural sales and to run his own seed dealership someday. Reiman is supported by his parents, Mark Reiman and Miranda Reiman, and FFA advisor AnnaLisa Mosel.

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.