Cole Roper of the Franklin County FFA chapter in Carnesville, Georgia, has grown up around his family’s broiler operation so it made sense that he’d select it as his SAE. The farm consists of five 40- by 500-feet broiler houses. As a child, his responsibilities were limited to turning down feed spouts and removing bird carcasses. Today, he can control air flows into the houses and maintain ventilation systems while managing the entire operation while his father is away from the farm. Roper is supported by parents Andrea and Randy and FFA advisors Gary Minyard, Cale Watkins and Owen Thomason. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Tyson Foods, Inc.
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