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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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Agricultural Processing Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency – Connor Paulk
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/agricultural-processing-entrepreneurship-placement-proficiency-connor-paulk/
Connor Paulk established his business, Paulk’s Produce, in 2020. Paulk offers customers processing and packaging of southern peas, butterbeans, tomatoes, and green beans. To successfully grow his company, Paulk created and implemented a marketing plan, utilized a recordkeeping system to project needs, purchased equipment to increase production, and hired and trained employees. Paulk is a member of the Irwin County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors are Chris Paulk, Wesley Paulk and Shayla Johnson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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Equine Science Placement – Lucy Barney
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/equine-science-placement-lucy-barney/
Lucy Barney is a fifth-generation horse breeder who is employed by two separate draft horse operations. Barney’s responsibilities include feeding, regular strength training, grooming, horse selection, and marketing. Additionally, Barney trains horses for and competes in draft horse shows. Barney is a member of the Rigby FFA Chapter in Idaho and her FFA advisors are Lex Godfrey, Robert Hale, Casey Sanders and Courtney Knickrehm. 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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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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Inside Convention Friday
https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/inside-convention-friday/
Catch up with the latest from national convention on FFA Live! Inside Convention, Thursday edition.
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Goat Production Proficiency – Addyson Schneberger
https://www.ffa.org/convention-audio/goat-production-proficiency-addyson-schneberger/
Addyson Schneberger has a goat operation that consists of a breeding herd of donor females, 37 Spanish recipient does, and 16 fall-born babies. In her enterprise, Schneberger uses advanced reproductive practices and has increased revenue through online marketing. She is a member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and her advisor is Chris Klaassen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).
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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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