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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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Combining Animal Care and Law Enforcement
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/combining-animal-care-and-law-enforcement/
FFA members explore careers with IMPD Mounted Patrol.
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Innovations at the Expo: The Latest Ag Tech
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/innovations-at-the-expo-the-latest-ag-tech/
The future of agricultural technology was showcased in the Expo hall.
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Inside the National FFA Delegate Experience
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/inside-the-national-ffa-delegate-experience/
This group amplifies the voices of their communities – and the overall organization.
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Temple Grandin Encourages Hope and Inclusivity
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/temple-grandin-hope-inclusivity/
The 97th National Convention & Expo keynote speaker addressed a crowd of thousands on Oct. 25 in Lucas Oil Stadium.
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The 2024 American Star Winners are SAE Superstars
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/american-stars-2024-sae-superstars/
Each year, this award program recognizes four outstanding individuals in the areas of agribusiness, agriscience and more.
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Experience a Rodeo Through the Eyes of a First-Timer
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/experience-rodeo-first-time/
Signal Knob Middle FFA President Sierra Stieringer from Virginia recaps what it’s like to attend this well-loved national convention event.
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These FFA Members Brought the Talent
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/ffa-members-brought-talent-convention/
Each year, the National FFA Talent competition provides a platform for attendees to take the stage and share their gifts with others.
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Putting Passion Into Action With Meals on Wheels
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/service-project-passion-action/
FFA members volunteered to create colorful potholders during the Meals on Wheels service project at national convention.
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FFA Shopping Mall Offers Functional, Fashion-Forward Gear
https://www.ffa.org/97th-national-ffa-convention-expo/functional-fashion-forward-gear-ffa-shopping-mall/
This one-stop shop features everything from graphic tees to Western-inspired boots, Ag Gear apparel and more.
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