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This FFA Member Is Knocking Out Hunger
https://www.ffa.org/premier-leadership/this-ffa-member-is-knocking-out-hunger/
Meet Mason Finocchio, a 2018 national FFA proficiency finalist, who has taken a stand against hunger in his community. Most kids Mason Finocchio’s age are thinking about college, future careers and their plans for Friday night. Finocchio thinks about those things, too, but his primary concern is helping the less fortunate. “I found out that in my community, the poverty level is 18 percent, which is 4 percent higher than the national average,” says Finocchio. “Because of that, I decided to start a project through FFA dedicated to knocking out hunger in our community.” The recent graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School in Howard, Pa., was a finalist at the 2018 National FFA Convention & Expo for his proficiency in community development. Through this proficiency, which began in 2015, Finocchio raised nearly $10,000 to provide nutritious meals for students when they weren’t in school, as well as $500 for healthy snacks and 938 pounds of canned goods. By applying for the FFA Food for All grant, he has also involved his community with the project [...]
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National FFA Officers Convention Kickoff
https://www.ffa.org/national-ffa-officers/national-ffa-officers-convention-kickoff/
The 97th National FFA Convention and Expo is underway, with the 2023-24 National FFA officer team beginning the first session with the Convention Kickoff.
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National FFA Advisor’s Welcome
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/national-ffa-advisors-welcome/
National FFA Advisor, Travis Park, welcomed FFA members and guests to the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo.
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Keynote Speaker Kevin Wanzer
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/keynote-speaker-kevin-wanzer/
Keynote speaker Kevin Wanzer helped kick off the first general session of the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo, encouraging members to engage others with love. Listen to his speech by clicking the player below (Download).
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Retiring Address: Grant Norfleet
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-grant-norfleet/
2023-24 National FFA Secretary Grant Norfleet delivered his retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 2 of the National FFA Convention and Expo. Click the player below to listen to his speech, “Life’s Real Passengers.” (Download)
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Retiring Address: Kanyon Huntington
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-kanyon-huntington/
2023-24 Central Region Vice President Kanyon Huntington delivered his retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 3 of the National FFA Convention and Expo. Click the player below to listen to his speech, “The Comparison Trap.” (Download)
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Retiring Address: Carter Howell
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-carter-howell/
2023-24 FFA Southern Region Vice President Carter Howell delivered his retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 4 of the National FFA Convention and Expo. Click the player below to listen to his speech, “Inside Out.” (Download)
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Retiring Address: Morgan Anderson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-morgan-anderson/
2023-24 FFA Eastern Region Vice President Morgan Anderson delivered her retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 5 of the National FFA Convention and Expo. Click the player below to listen to her speech, “The Gift to the Whole World.” (Download)
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Retiring Address: Emily Gossett
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-emily-gossett/
2023-24 FFA Western Region Vice President Emily Gossett delivered her retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 6 of the National FFA Convention & Expo. Click the player below to listen to her speech, “Welcome Home.” (Download)
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Retiring Address: Amara Jackson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/retiring-address-amara-jackson/
2023-24 National FFA President Amara Jackson delivered her retiring address to FFA members and guests at Session 7 of the National FFA Convention and Expo. Click the player below to listen to her speech, “The Invitation We Miss.” (Download)
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Keynote Speaker Temple Grandin
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/keynote-speaker-temple-grandin/
Keynote speaker Temple Grandin helped kick off the fourth general session of the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo, sharing her perspective on visual thinking Listen to her speech by clicking the player below (Download).
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Agricultural Communications Proficiency – Titus Montgomery
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-communications-proficiency-titus-montgomery/
Titus has a weekly radio report called the Southeast Oklahoma Ag Report, which can be heard three times each weekday on The Mix 93.1 FM. Montgomery also started a podcast, “Brag on Ag,” which he produces on his own and is published on all major podcast listening apps. His Supervised Agricultural Experiences have provided him with skills in radio programming and production, advocacy and research, public speaking and writing, and even merchandising. Montgomery is a member of the Red Oak FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and his FFA advisors are Troy Walker and Leland Walker. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Education Proficiency – Sophia Gomes
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-education-proficiency-sophia-gomes/
Sophia Gomes has focused her Supervised Agricultural Experience projects on building skills for her future as a middle school agriculture teacher. Through internships with the International Agri-Center and the local University of California extension office, an ambassadorship on the California Milk Advisory Board, and as a facilitator for California FFA Greenhand Leadership Conferences, she has gained experience developing lessons, working with young students in classrooms, and delivering content through virtual and in-person presentations. Gomes is a member of the Tulare FFA Chapter in California, and her FFA advisors are Patrick Mederos, Jared Castle, Samantha Day and Jonathan Woodard. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship Proficiency – Gracie Sprague
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-sales-entrepreneurship-proficiency-gracie-sprague/
Gracie Sprague is a supplement dealer selling three products for eight different livestock species. Sprague has learned to operate independently and is responsible for ordering inventory and monitoring sales, customer communication, marketing, and more. Primarily serving livestock exhibitors as customers, Sprague has also served as a mentor and teacher to young people in the industry. Sprague is a member of the Genoa-Penta FFA Chapter in Ohio, and her FFA advisor is Tricia Schoen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Sales Placement Proficiency – Jack Schuster
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-sales-placement-proficiency-jack-schuster/
Jack Schuster excelled in his Supervised Agricultural Experience working for the local Ace Hardware store. Schuster was made head of the paint department and promoted to storewide assistant manager due to his drive and dedication to learning about all aspects of the store. Schuster gained leadership skills through training and managing employees, as well as business skills such as invoicing and sales. Schuster is a member of the Marshall FFA Chapter in Wisconsin, and his FFA advisor is Paula Bakken. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agriscience Research-Integrated Systems Proficiency – Trinity Blosch
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agriscience-research-integrated-systems-proficiency-trinity-blosch/
Trinity Blosch has a Supervised Agricultural Experience involving five years of research on social, environmental, and food systems. Over the years, Blosch has significantly progressed in the complexity of her projects. Her research has included evaluating consumer and student knowledge about food and agriculture and testing bioremediation products used in contaminated fresh water. Blosch is a member of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and her FFA advisors are Bailey Kliewer, Carl Nipper, and Robby Branscum. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Services Proficiency – Jeremy Eaton
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-services-proficiency-jeremy-eaton/
Jeremy Eaton works for a company that offers agriculture-related services by providing custom forage crop harvesting, including cutting, raking, baling and hauling hay. Eaton is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and interacting with hay producers. Eaton is a member of the Galt FFA Chapter in California, and his FFA advisors are Carl Wright, Derek Silva, Jordan Albiani and Patrick MacDonald. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Service-Learning Proficiency – Hayley Ann Hines
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/service-learning-proficiency-hayley-ann-hines/
Hayley Ann Hines runs a food pantry at her school for students in need. In 2023, she collected $3,500 in non-perishable donations and over $13,000 in financial contributions for the pantry. Hines used grant funding to raise chickens and pigs, and the meat was used as a protein source for the pantry. Hines is a member of the Paola FFA Chapter in Kansas, and her FFA advisors are John Menefee and Thomas Schull. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agriscience Research Animal Systems Proficiency – Alyx Johnson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agriscience-research-animal-systems-proficiency-alyx-johnson/
Alyx Johnson studies a variety of conditions, and possible treatments and prevention methods to improve swine health. By doing research in areas that affect herd health, Johnson has built a knowledge base she can use to guide future health-related decisions within her own herd. Johnson is a member of the Woodland FFA Chapter in Alabama and her FFA advisor is Brad Johnson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency – Raegan Gilbert
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/beef-production-entrepreneurship-proficiency-raegan-gilbert/
Raegan Gilbert maximizes production in her herd using embryo transfer synchronization, vet-developed vaccine protocol, meticulous record-keeping, and other strategies. Gilbert expanded her herd from 10 cows in 2019 to 21 registered Angus, Simmental, and Commercial cattle in 2023. Gilbert is a member of the Banks County FFA Chapter in Georgia and her FFA advisors are Kipp Jackson, and Christopher Crump. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Beef Production Placement Proficiency – Cecillia LeaAnn Newby
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/beef-production-placement-proficiency-cecillia-leaann-newby/
Cecillia LeaAnn Newby works for Newby Show Cattle and D/N Cattle Company. Newby performs vaccinations, chooses sires for breeding, administers growth implants, and assists with artificial insemination and embryo transfers, among other things. With 10 years of livestock judging, Newby is skilled in finding new replacement animals to incorporate into the herd. Newby is a member of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Kansas and her FFA advisors are Kyle Zwahlen, Dustin Wiley and Keith Geren. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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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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