INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 23, 2026/National FFA Organization) – Seven winners of the 2026 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the sixth 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 seven of the 45 categories during the sixth general convention session.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Elliott Kramer of the GALT FFA Chapter in California worked in a placement position with Kramer Reclamation and Mining, a family business that conducts land reclamation for habitat and wildlife restoration. During his employment, he contributed to the completion of the restoration of a 44-acre riparian habitat and learned to perform geological surveys using drones. Kramer is supported by his parents, Daniel Kramer and Nancy Kramer, and FFA advisors Derek Silva, Jordan Albiani, Patrick MacDonald, Caitlin Holder, Anaely Marquez and Sarah Ronayne.

Forest Management and Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Benjamin Cude of the Har-Ber FFA Chapter in Arkansas gained experience in forest management and products by clearing invasive species, planting trees, identifying tree diseases, learning timber management skills, and assisting with prescribed burns. He completed the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s qualified prescribed burner course and hopes to become a forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service. Cude is supported by his parents, Robert Cude and Andrea Cude, and FFA advisors Jonathan Roberts, Sarah Hawkins and Patti Priest.

Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Alex Amettis of the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter in Illinois owned and operated a mobile petting farm business. Amettis started out with 12 events exhibiting 6-8 animals but grew the business to 34 events with the potential of 15 exhibits. The experience allowed him to research and develop animal-handling plans, learn to operate an organized business, and engage with the public, thereby setting a career goal of becoming a veterinarian. Amettis is supported by his parents, Kyle Amettis and Ashlei Amettis, and by FFA advisors Cassie Crouch and Alyssa Garner.

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Derek Rulon of the Cottonwood-West Valley FFA Chapter in California volunteered at a local wildlife center to gain experience in helping build bird enclosures and duck boxes, and assisting with the rehabilitation of wildlife. He plans to earn a degree in animal science before attending veterinary school to focus on wildlife medicine. Rulon is supported by his parents, Khristopher Rulon and Crystal Rulon, and FFA advisors Terra Gibson, Eric Poldervaarrt, Kayla Bowerman and Laura Gonzales.

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Vincent Kisner of the Rigby FFA Chapter in Idaho worked at a local fabrication and equipment design shop, taking on increasingly important roles as his mechanical engineering skills developed. As a welder, technician, and CNC operator and trainer, he produced mobile slaughter trailers, hay forks, skid-steer buckets, rock buckets, snow pushers, and other agriculture equipment. Kisner is supported by his parents, Ken Kisner and Valena Kisner, and his FFA advisors Lex Godfrey, Robert Hale, Austin Davis, and Casey Sanders.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship
Cameron Williams of the Christian County FFA Chapter in Kentucky turned a lifelong interest in mechanics into a business repairing, maintaining, and restoring small motor agriculture equipment. Over three years, it became a professional, self-managed operation, demonstrating his responsibility, technical skill, organization, and continuous growth. Williams is supported by his parents, Kevin Williams and Keri Williams, and by FFA advisors Victoria Mohon, Jacob Jaworski, and Mattea Wyatt.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement
Tyler Fleming of the Ashland FFA Chapter in Missouri gained a strong foundation in agriculture equipment repair and maintenance while working in positions that required increasingly expanded skills. His hands-on experience led him to an apprenticeship as a repair technician at Roland Machinery, where he became skilled in troubleshooting, diagnostics and the repair and service of heavy and advanced equipment. Fleming is supported by his parents, Jonathan Fleming and Rachel Fleming, and by FFA advisors MacKenzie Black and Rebekah Hammett.

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.