By Andi Anderson
During the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, ten students received the prestigious National FFA Proficiency Awards for their achievements in agricultural skills.
These awards, presented in the third session of the convention on October 24, recognize FFA members excelling in specific career paths through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
The Proficiency Awards honour students who have developed specialized expertise in various agricultural fields, from animal science to agricultural processing. Alyx Johnson, a member of Alabama’s Woodland FFA Chapter, received recognition for her work in agriscience research, focusing on swine health. Meanwhile, in beef production entrepreneurship, Raegan Gilbert from Georgia’s Banks County FFA expanded her cattle herd using advanced breeding techniques.
Other winners included Cecillia LeaAnn Newby of Kansas, who manages beef cattle operations, and Cade Claycomb from Missouri, who leads a dairy business with a focus on herd genetics.
Equine science also took the spotlight, with winners like Taylor Barraclough from New York, who established a horse breeding business, and Lucy Barney from Idaho, who trains draft horses for competitive shows.
These awards reflect FFA's commitment to fostering students’ skills and preparing them for successful agricultural careers. Recipients not only excel in their fields but also contribute to their communities by gaining knowledge in sustainable agriculture, efficient farming methods, and agribusiness.
The awards are part of FFA's broader mission to promote agricultural education, helping students become established in career paths that benefit the food and farming industries. The ten recipients were recognized for their contributions, serving as role models for aspiring agricultural professionals across the nation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, General