William Woodworth of the Mineral County FFA Chapter in West Virginia works as the
assistant plant manager at his family’s meat processing plant that processes
cattle, hogs, lambs and goats.  He has been taught how to complete every aspect of the operation, from programming the label computer to fabricating the carcasses into retail cuts.  Woodworth hopes to become a partner in the family business and increase meal sales by developing a branded product. He is supported by FFA advisors Charles Bennett, John Ritchie, Julie Sions and Carol Webb. This award is sponsored by CHS and Sealed Air Corporation.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ethan McNeely was named the National FFA Forage Production Proficiency Winner.  Ethan Scott Edward McNeely of the Scottsburg FFA Chapter in Indiana has been involved in his family’s forage production operation since he was a child.  On the 800-acre farm, McNeely assists in grain production, managing the sheep and beef cattle herds, and working in the hayfields where he cuts, rakes, led, bale, and throws hay.  Additionally, McNeely has rented land from a neighbor where he has complete autonomy to make decisions concerning planting, harvesting and management of hay acreage.  He is supported by parents John McNeely and Peggy Bridge and FFA advisor Sadie Davis. This award is sponsored by Claas of America, Inc.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Zachary Plummer of the Fleming County FFA Chapter in Kentucky helps troubleshoot and repair trucks and tractors at his father’s trucking company.  While his work was originally limited to just handing his father tools, Zachary is now in charge of maintenance on the trucks, including changing tires, replacing hydraulic hoses and changing oil.  This work prompted a personal interest in utilizing a biodiesel processor to produce fuel from waste vegetable oil. Plummer intends to pursue education in diesel repair and eventually start his own small business.  He is supported by parents Billy and Karla Plummer and FFA advisors Tonya D. Phillips, Bobby Pease, Lucinda Pease and Chris Fitzpatrick. This award is sponsored by Lincoln Electric and Parker.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Tyler Parcell was named the National FFA Emerging Agriculture Technology Proficiency Winner.  Tyler Parcell of the Fayetteville FFA Chapter in Ohio designs and develops educational computer programs that allow FFA and 4-H members to enhance their skills in small animal anatomy and parliamentary procedure.  To accomplish this, he learned the Java programming language and updated the programs after user feedback.  One of the programs includes a Parliamentary Procedure Card generator, which became the primary method by which his FFA parliamentary procedure team studied and practiced for competitions.  He is currently pursuing interests in computer engineering at the University of Cincinnati.  Tyler is supported by parents Steve and Melissa Parcell and FFA advisor Matthew Winkle. This award is sponsored by Ag Leader Technology and BASF.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Katie Friederichs was named the National FFA Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Winner.  Katie Friederichs of the Muscatine FFA Chapter in Iowa has had a passion for cattle since her first showing at the age of 3.  She joined the National Junior Angus Association at 11 and has been building her herd ever since.  Today, Friederichs has 20 cows with the goal of rearing 75 purebred Angus cows by 2025.  She is supported by parents Dean and Deb Friederichs and FFA advisors Dave Tometich, Sam Paul, Ashley Wiebe and Adam Crews. This award is sponsored by Bayer Animal Health and Rabo AgriFinance.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Joshua Haven of Oklahoma was named the National FFA Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship Proficiency Winner.  Joshua Haven of the Cheyenne FFA Chapter in Oklahoma purchased his grandfather’s feed business in 2010.  He transitioned the store to a self-service model, effectively reducing his labor costs and allowing customers to pick up their feed at convenient times.  Haven maintains customers by hosting customer appreciation dinners and feed workshops, as well as supporting area livestock premium sales and fundraisers.  Haven is currently majoring in agricultural business at Oklahoma State University.  He is supported by parents Ray Haven and Amy Williams and FFA advisor Nathan Torrance. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services and Monsanto.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download