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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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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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Specialty Crop Production Proficiency – Cailey Elizabeth Markley
https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/specialty-crop-production-proficiency-cailey-elizabeth-markley/
Cailey Elizabeth Markley has been growing, harvesting and selling a variety of mums for five years. As a result of Markley’s marketing strategies, fertilization techniques, and quality product choices, her crop has grown from 300 to 750 plugs planted per year. Markley is a member of the Argos FFA Chapter in Indiana and her FFA advisor is Lynnette Markley. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Turf Grass Management Proficiency – Reagan Long
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/turf-grass-management-proficiency-reagan-long/
Reagan Long runs Valley Lawn Care for his Supervised Agricultural Experience, which started out as a lawn mowing business. In 2023, Long had a total of 35 properties and four employees, and provides additional services such as weed control, fertilizer application and irrigation treatment. Long is a member of the Shields Valley FFA Chapter in Montana and his FFA advisor is J.R. Pierce. 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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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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Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management Proficiency – Teeghan Jameson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/environmental-science-and-natural-resources-management-proficiency-teeghan-jameson/
Teeghan Jameson manages 1,100 acres of land maintained for hunting, ecology and timber production. Jameson conducted a concentrated study coordinated with a registered forester, focused on tree and wildlife identification, prescribed burning, and wildlife management, with emphasis on invasive and/or non-native species and resource management. Jameson is a member of the Stephens County FFA Chapter in Georgia and her FFA advisors are Joshua Brown, Hannah Dinkins, and Ethan Holton. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Forest Management and Products Proficiency – David Pinnell
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/forest-management-and-products-proficiency-david-pinnell/
David Pinnell has a business where he rakes, bales, and sells pine straw as landscaping mulch. Through this Supervised Agricultural Experience, he has not only gained skills in sustainable practices and operating equipment, but he has also learned to promote his enterprise and manage finances. Pinnell is a member of the Henderson FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Michael Perry, Maurisio Elizondo, Travis Driver and Kathryn Prior. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Outdoor Recreation Proficiency – Matthew Anderson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/outdoor-recreation-proficiency-matthew-anderson/
Matthew Anderson began helping with waterfowl hunting trips in 2019. By 2023, his role has grown to be a guide for the trips and his responsibilities include studying migration reports and scheduling hunts, maintaining fowl calls, firearm safety, and more. Anderson is a member of the Banks County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors Christopher Crump and Kipp Jackson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Wildlife Production and Management Proficiency – Sophie Bradshaw
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/wildlife-production-and-management-proficiency-sophie-bradshaw/
Sophie Bradshaw has a Supervised Agricultural Experience working at her family’s wildlife ranch. Bradshaw has a range of jobs on the ranch that span both business management and operational tasks. During her time at the ranch, she has successfully implemented anti-poaching measures, learned about wildlife conservation, and leveraged social media to achieve customer growth. Bradshaw 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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Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Proficiency – Jack Walters
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-mechanics-design-and-fabrication-proficiency-jack-walters/
Jack Walters designs, manufactures, and markets swine scales for his Supervised Agricultural Experience. After conquering time management challenges, developing more efficient manufacturing, receiving several certifications and gaining sales abilities, Walters’s business and his professional network have grown. Walters plans to have a career as an agriculture equipment sales representative. Walters is a member of the Brock FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Mark Sullivan, Laura Horner, Brock Burch and Jack Pritchard. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship Proficiency – Joseph Michael Robinson
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-mechanics-repair-and-maintenance-entrepreneurship-proficiency-joseph-michael-robinson/
Joseph Michael Robinson began his project by changing engine and hydraulic oils, coolant, fuel filters, air filters, cabin air filters, and greasing all machines at A and R Farms. Robinson also runs his own business, where he repairs and restores parts and agricultural machinery, sometimes reselling parts for profit. Through his Supervised Agricultural Experience, Robinson has gained knowledge in billing and finance, time management, and entrepreneurial adaptability. Robinson is a member of the Mineral Point FFA Chapter in Wisconsin and FFA advisor is Mike Robinson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency – Logan Wood
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-mechanics-repair-and-maintenance-placement-proficiency-logan-wood/
Logan Wood works as a mechanic for Sherwood Inc., a company that harvests nearly 10,000 acres of almonds and pistachios annually. Wood maintains the company’s equipment and diagnoses issues, as well as performs engine, hydraulic and electrical repairs. Wood has also shadowed his employer to learn more about the business responsibilities of billing, payroll, and customer and vendor relationships. Wood is a member of the Fresno-Central FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Taree Downs, Jessica Fahey, June Bettencourt and Chris Williams. Listen to the audio from the interview (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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Education Abounds at the Expo
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/education-promoted-at-the-expo/
Colleges and universities offer areas of study in agriculture and scholarships to make it a reality.
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Inside Convention Saturday
https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/inside-convention-saturday/
Catch up with the latest from national convention on FFA Live! Inside Convention, Thursday edition.
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