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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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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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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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Donors Make FFA Accessible to Everyone, Everywhere
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/donors-make-ffa-accessible-to-everyone-everywhere/
Because of support of generous sponsors and donors, FFA members have access to resources that enrich their FFA experiences.
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Service Project Creates a Ripple Effect
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/service-project-ripple-effect/
During the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, FFA members are leaving a lasting impact on Eagle Creek Park.
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What’s It Take to Be a National Model of Excellence?
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/whats-it-take-to-be-a-national-model-of-excellence/
This year’s winning National Middle School Model of Excellence chapter offers words of wisdom to aspiring chapters.
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Students Shine on the Showcase Stage
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/students-shine-on-the-showcase-stage/
Members and advisors sound off on their Showcase Stage presentations and new ideas they’ll walk away with.
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Proficiency Awards Reflect Personal Passions
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/proficiency-awards-reflect-personal-passions/
Winners from several categories share the force for their projects, and the impact it made on them.
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Celebrations and Service: The FFA Way
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/celebrations-service-ffa-way/
During national convention, thousands of FFA members are paying it forward through participating in service projects.
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Student Engagement and Travel Assistance Grants Remove Barriers
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/student-engagement-and-travel-assistance-grants-remove-barriers/
The generous support of FFA corporate partners makes attendance at national convention a reality.
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Influencers Inspire Young Leaders to Stay Involved in Agriculture
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/influencers-inspire-young-leaders-involved-agriculture/
Social media creators share their takeaways from interacting with this year’s national convention attendees.
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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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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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Career Demonstration Explores Unexpected Opportunities
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/career-demonstration-explores-unexpected-opportunities/
FFA members attend a career day at Indiana’s Crown Hill Cemetery.
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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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