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Dairy Production Entrepreneurship – Cade Claycomb
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/dairy-production-entrepreneurship-cade-claycomb/
Cade Claycomb runs his dairy production business where he has a 42-head herd on 36 acres. With a focus on improved herd genetics in his operation, Claycomb markets around 9,400 pounds of milk each week. Claycomb is a member of the Trenton FFA Chapter in Missouri and his FFA advisors are Kabel Oaks and Sadie Roy. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Dairy Production Placement – Troy Homan
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/dairy-production-placement-troy-homan/
Troy Homan works at his family’s dairy farm, which consists of 320 Holstein cows and 300 heifers. Homan has helped with the planning and construction of new projects to help improve the operation. Homan also conducts the operation’s herd health program by preventing and treating illnesses. Homan is a member of the New Bremen FFA Chapter in Ohio and his FFA advisor is Maria Homan. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Diversified Agricultural Production Entrepreneurship/Placement – Kaleb James Ellis
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/diversified-agricultural-production-entrepreneurship-placement-kaleb-james-ellis/
Kaleb James Ellis has multiple Supervised Agricultural Experiences including working on the family’s farm which operates with 500 row crop acres, 200 head of beef cattle and 200,000 broiler chickens. Ellis also raises and sells hogs as an entrepreneurship project, farms his own row crops, and works for an additional diversified farm. Ellis is a member of the Cochrane Fountain City FFA Chapter in Wisconsin and FFA advisors are Christine Jumbeck and Deanna Wiersgalla. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship/Placement – Hayden Hubbard
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/diversified-livestock-production-entrepreneurship-placement-hayden-hubbard/
Hayden Hubbard operates an operation with show pigs, show cattle and market steers. He has also diversified his production to include processed meat for consumers. Hubbard has gained an increased understanding of genetics, pedigrees, and performance data for livestock. He is a member of the Burns FFA Chapter in Wyoming, and his FFA advisor is William Luna. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Equine Science Entrepreneurship – Taylor Barraclough
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/equine-science-entrepreneurship-taylor-barraclough/
Taylor Barraclough established her business, Violet Sales, to breed, raise, and sell horses. She has grown operations from basic care into strategic breeding, investment, marketing and sales. Barraclough is a member of the Schuylerville FFA Chapter in New York, and her FFA advisor is Mary-Elizabeth Foote. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Equine Science Placement – Lucy Barney
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/equine-science-placement-lucy-barney/
Lucy Barney is a fifth-generation horse breeder who is employed by two separate draft horse operations. Barney’s responsibilities include feeding, regular strength training, grooming, horse selection, and marketing. Additionally, Barney trains horses for and competes in draft horse shows. Barney is a member of the Rigby FFA Chapter in Idaho and her FFA advisors are Lex Godfrey, Robert Hale, Casey Sanders and Courtney Knickrehm. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Processing Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency – Connor Paulk
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-processing-entrepreneurship-placement-proficiency-connor-paulk/
Connor Paulk established his business, Paulk’s Produce, in 2020. Paulk offers customers processing and packaging of southern peas, butterbeans, tomatoes, and green beans. To successfully grow his company, Paulk created and implemented a marketing plan, utilized a recordkeeping system to project needs, purchased equipment to increase production, and hired and trained employees. Paulk is a member of the Irwin County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors are Chris Paulk, Wesley Paulk and Shayla Johnson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Goat Production Proficiency – Addyson Schneberger
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/goat-production-proficiency-addyson-schneberger/
Addyson Schneberger has a goat operation that consists of a breeding herd of donor females, 37 Spanish recipient does, and 16 fall-born babies. In her enterprise, Schneberger uses advanced reproductive practices and has increased revenue through online marketing. She is a member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and her advisor is Chris Klaassen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Poultry Production Proficiency – Nathan Hutchison
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/poultry-production-proficiency-nathan-hutchison/
Nathan Hutchison has a five-year-old poultry production with broilers, turkeys, hens and chicks. Hutchison sells packaged poultry products and eggs to restaurants, local community members, and customers across the state. Hutchison has earned a California egg handlers license, a California business license and USDA processing exemption. Hutchison is a member of the Madera-Liberty FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Jewlia Winter, Katie Mellott, Keenan Quintana and Madison Galvez. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Sheep Production Proficiency – Kaylee Dunn
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/sheep-production-proficiency-kaylee-dunn/
Kaylee Dunn works on her family’s sheep operation. Dunn has learned how to keep and cull ewes and how to pair sheep for breeding and shows. Dunn’s knowledge has also expanded to include the rise and fall of market prices within the industry, the best time to sell ewes, and how to market a wether sheep to fit customers’ needs. Dunn is a member of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas, and her FFA advisors are Jeff Klose and Jennifer Barton. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Small Animal Production and Care Proficiency – Presley Merritt
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/small-animal-production-and-care-proficiency-presley-merritt/
Presley Merritt runs an operation that breeds and competitively shows velveteen lop rabbits. She handles the breeding, birthing, care, and marketing of her rabbits, and she conducts rabbit care workshops and mentors local youth. Merritt is a member of the Anna FFA Chapter in Texas, and her FFA advisors are Kaitlin Tyler, Joe Molina, and Ashley Sturdivant. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Specialty Animal Production Proficiency – Max Landon
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/specialty-animal-production-proficiency-max-landon/
Max Landon’s Supervised Agricultural Experience is working at his family’s apiary business. Landon has learned how to perform a full range of beekeeping production from selecting breeder queens for their genetic qualities to independently managing a beehive. Landon is a member of the Durham FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Makenna Luce, Wes Bill and Chloe Bristow. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency – Hannah Miller
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/swine-production-entrepreneurship-proficiency-hannah-miller/
Hannah Miller has an award-winning operation that is comprised of swine breeding and showpig sales. Miller’s herd went from 18 pigs in 2021 to 60 in 2023. In just three years, Miller also increased her breeding swine’s conception rate from 66% to 100%. Miller is a member of the Prairie Central FFA Chapter in Illinois and her FFA advisors are Becky Freed, Kylie Miller, Kyle Miller and Tyson Stork. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Swine Production Placement Proficiency – Tucker Wayne Leck
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/swine-production-placement-proficiency-tucker-wayne-leck/
Tucker Wayne Leck has been promoted from farm assistant to herd manager at Leck Family Showpigs during his three years working there. In addition to increasing his hands-on farm duties and livestock management skills, Leck has also handled marketing outreach and communication with buyers. Leck is a member of the Neodesha FFA Chapter in Kansas, and his FFA advisor is Emma Lehmann. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Veterinary Science Proficiency – Emma Brandenburg
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/veterinary-science-proficiency-emma-brandenburg/
Emma Brandenburg works at a local vet clinic, where she started in 2022 as a kennel technician. Working her way up to veterinary assistant, Brandenburg has diversified her experience and knowledge and is now able to run tests, assist in surgeries, and educate clients, in addition to other duties. Brandenburg is a member of the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter in Ohio and her FFA advisors are Holly Jennings and Joe Broadwell. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agriscience Research Plant Systems Proficiency – Alethea Dunn
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agriscience-research-plant-systems-proficiency-alethea-dunn/
Alethea Dunn completed three research projects. Her projects have focused on increasing sustainability in the agricultural industry through hydroponic systems. Dunn has used her findings to educate her fellow students and other external FFA members outside of the chapter about sustainable and progressive agriculture practices. Dunn is a member of the Stewarts Creek FFA Chapter in Tennessee and her FFA advisors are Lindsey Nicholas and Mandy King. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Vegetable Production Proficiency – Riley McDermott
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/vegetable-production-proficiency-riley-mcdermott/
Riley McDermott has learned about all the components of vegetable production through her business Tilled to Table. McDermott reaches customers through a roadside stand and as a permanent vendor at the county farmer’s market. In addition to selling 13 types of vegetables from her 4,300-square-foot garden, she is also in charge of maintaining profitability, setting prices, evaluating business practices, and building customer rapport. McDermott is a member of the Waterloo FFA Chapter in Illinois and her FFA advisors are Tim McDermott, Marissa Battin, Colton Henry and Elaine Rudolphi. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship – Ryder Klaassen
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/diversified-crop-production-entrepreneurship-ryder-klaassen/
Ryder Klaassen rents three farms and grows wheat, black-eyed peas, mung beans, and cotton in rotation. He has negotiated and held several contracts in domestic and global markets. Klaassen is a member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and his FFA advisor is Chris Klaassen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Diversified Crop Production Placement – Drevin Cory Wilkerson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/diversified-crop-production-placement-drevin-cory-wilkerson/
Drevin Cory Wilkerson works for a diversified specialty and row crop operation that consists of 400 acres of peanuts, 300 acres of cotton, and 310 acres of produce. Wilkerson is also employed at a 625-acre carrot production operation. Wilkerson is a member of the Cook High FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors are Brandon White, Ren Hester and Justin Watson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Diversified Horticulture Proficiency – Ava S. Bullard
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/diversified-horticulture-proficiency-ava-s-bullard/
Ava S. Bullard began her Supervised Agricultural Experience by growing 10 types of flowers in beds around her family’s home and making bouquets. In three years, Bullard’s cut flower operation and sales had grown to cover more than 32,000 square feet and 20 kinds of flowers. To build a greenhouse for her business, Bullard exchanged labor on her family’s livestock farm for lumber. Bullard is a member of the Ashland FFA Chapter in Missouri, and her FFA advisors are Jeff Suthoff and Rebekah Hammett.
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Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production Proficiency – Noah Thomas Wiley
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/fiber-and-or-oil-crop-production-proficiency-noah-thomas-wiley/
Noah Thomas Wiley works on a farm consisting of 2,000 acres of highly productive crop ground that grows early soybeans as well as double-crop soybeans. Mowing, bean scouting, combine operation and maintenance, grain cart operation, and planting are just some of the duties Wiley performs. Wiley is a member the of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Kansas, and his FFA advisors are Rocky Becker, Dustin Wiley, and Kyle Zwahlen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Forage Production Proficiency – Cade Stafford
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/forage-production-proficiency-cade-stafford/
Cade Stafford started his Supervised Agricultural Experience managing the farm’s hay crop under the supervision of his advisor. Stafford then began farming forage crops on his own in 2021 to produce high-quality, nutritious forage for livestock that is produced cost-effectively. In 2023, Stafford farmed 278 acres and sold 6,800 bales of hay. Stafford is a member of the Sutter FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Jake Wheeler, Kate Wilson, and Amanda Dowden. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Grain Production Proficiency – Mason Nunn
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/grain-production-proficiency-mason-nunn/
Mason Nunn assists his father in working the wheat and corn crops on the family’s farm. In 2023, Nunn helped with the production of 510 acres of corn and 850 acres of wheat. Nunn prepares the fields, and plants, scouts for pests, fertilizes, and harvests the crops. Nunn is a member of the Morgan County High FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors are Rachel Kinsaul and Briana Stoops. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Landscape Management Proficiency – Cole Sundeen
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/landscape-management-proficiency-cole-sundeen/
Cole Sundeen has a Supervised Agriculture Experience working for a landscaping company where he is responsible for planting and caring for plant specimens and installing them within clients’ properties. Sundeen is also in charge of the lawn mowing crew as well as customer communication. He is a member of the Rockford FFA Chapter Minnesota and his FFA advisor Joe Ramstad. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Nursery Operations Proficiency – Anna Chaliff
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/nursery-operations-proficiency-anna-chaliff/
Anna Chaliff works in a greenhouse that raises ornamentals, vegetables, mums and herbs for selling. Chaliff’s job includes seeding and germination, growing and maintenance, fertilization and watering, and pest management. Chaliff also creates custom-arranged planters and makes plant recommendations for customers. Chaliff is a member of the Rockcastle County FFA Chapter in Kentucky, and her FFA advisors Harvey Mink and William Whitaker. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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