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Finding Hope After the Hurricane
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/finding-hope-after-the-hurricane/
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the Erwin FFA Chapter from Tennessee shares how National FFA and its members have come together.
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Convention Attendees Tour Stoops Training Academy
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/convention-attendees-tour-stoops-training-academy/
Members explore technical training and career opportunities in the trucking industry as part of the FFA mission to foster leadership, personal growth and career success.
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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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In Their Words: What “Engage” Means to Members
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/in-their-words-what-engage-means-to-members/
National convention attendees sound off on what this year’s theme means to them.
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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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Nate Smith Entertained – and Inspired
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/nate-smith-entertained-and-inspired/
Convention concert performer Nate Smith encouraged FFA members to pursue a purpose that’s bigger than themselves.
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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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Opening Session Brings the Energy
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/opening-session-brings-energy/
The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo is underway! Hear from attendees as they reflect on their experiences.
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New Blue: Jacket Recipients Feel Power, Belonging and Unity
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/new-blue-jacket-recipients-feel-power-belonging-and-unity/
This donation program provides FFA jackets to members in need.
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Learning to Lead Through Workshops
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/learning-to-lead-convention-workshops/
These interactive activities serve as avenues for members and teachers to strengthen their skills and make new friends during convention.
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Kevin Wanzer Brings a Message of Kindness and Acceptance
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/kevin-wanzer-brings-a-message-of-kindness-and-acceptance/
The keynote speaker energized – and entertained – at the First General Session of the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo.
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FFA Is for Everyone, Especially During Convention
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/ffa-for-everyone-experience-convention/
Now in its third year, the annual FFA for All Experience helps members engage with each other and make FFA a welcoming place.
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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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Women Welders: Sparking an Interest in STEM-Focused Careers
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/women-welders-stem-careers-convention/
The Universal Technical Institute is providing female FFA members with opportunities to try something new.
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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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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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