Category Archives: 2015 Convention
Beef Production Placement–Tyler Woodrow Nelson (TX)
Tyler Woodrow Nelson of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas works at Nelson and Son’s Cattle Feeders, a 16,000-head capacity beef cattle feed yard owned by his grandfather and father. As the assistant manager, he is in charge of record … Continue reading
Beef Production Entrepreneurship–Kylie Jayne Patterson (TX)
Kylie Jayne Patterson of the East Central FFA Chapter in San Antonio, Texas, was not born into the cattle industry. Even so, her desire to be involved in the future of the industry prompted her to start a purebred herd … Continue reading
Agriscience Research Plant Systems–Chance Cain Hingson (GA)
While walking through his school greenhouse, Chance Cain Hingson of the Lowndes High FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., noticed interesting differences in plants of the same species. This prompted him to launch numerous research projects, one of which looked at … Continue reading
Agriscience Research Integrated Systems–Caleb J. Brannon (KY)
Caleb J. Brannon of the Calloway County FFA Chapter in Kentucky is the owner and operator of Brannon AgriEnergy, a business that grows, researches, and markets switchgrass and other experimental bioenergy crops. Although he has partnered with his local extension … Continue reading
Agriscience Research Animal Systems–Lori Elizabeth Edwards (GA)
After conducting beef cattle estrus experiments for three years, Lori Elizabeth Edwards of the Sonoraville FFA Chapter in Calhoun, Ga., found that the natural estrus cycle was the most cost-effective breeding protocol. These results will inform decisions in her herd … Continue reading
Agricultural Services Entrepreneurship/Placement–Derek Steven Hight (SD)
After helping out on his family’s farm from a young age, Derek Steven Hight of the Viborg-Hurley FFA Chapter in South Dakota decided to purchase a baler to launch his own custom baling business. He has a hard time keeping … Continue reading
Agricultural Sales Placement–Collin Dunaway (OH)
As a longtime customer of Taulbee Feed and Suppy, Collin Dunaway from the Felicity Franklin FFA Chapter in Ohio jumped at the chance to work there during his freshman year. This position allowed him to develop computer skills, practice superior … Continue reading
Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship–Megan Trantham (OK)
A member of the Boise City FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, Megan M. Trantham owns and operates a livestock show feed distribution business called Trantham Feed. What started as a small local feed business quickly grew to a business that supplies … Continue reading
Agricultural Processing Entrepreneurship/Placement–Maggie Hovermale (OH)
Maggie Hovermale of the Westfall FFA Chapter in Williamsport, Ohio, is employed at a local honey operation where she processes honey, beeswax and bee pollen. She is involved in all aspects of the processing operation, including production, packing, storage and … Continue reading
Agricultural Mechanics Energy Systems Entrepreneurship/Placement–Erik Lovvorn (GA)
Erik Lovvorn of the Bowdon FFA Chapter in Georgia works at his family business as an electrician. He does thermal imaging and electrical work at local plants and industries. Through his supervised agricultural experience (SAE), he has learned to run … Continue reading