Reese Wilson of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas has a placement supervised agricultural experience (SAE) with Wilson Hair Sheep, her family’s Dorper sheep operation. The commercial and show operation has 112 mature Dorper ewes, 40 ewe lambs, and ten rams on 262 acres. The farm begins lambing its commercial flock in August and continues throughout the winter and spring. The lambs are weaned and sold at approximately 75 days of age. Wilson is supported by his parents, DawnAnn and David and her FFA advisors, Ryan Best, Savannah Bowers, Brock Burch and Jordan Smith. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization. 

Reese explains to Carissa Larry his joy in being with the FFA.

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Dylan Dent of the Wayne County High School FFA Chapter in Georgia owns his own poultry production business, Windy Hill Waterfowl. He produces 36 breeds of ducks, five breeds of geese, two breeds of swans, and three breeds of chickens. His operation has grown to include three incubators, 13 covered pens, five outside pens, seven brooders, and three grow-out pens. Dent is supported by his parents, Calysta and James and his FFA advisors, Reggie Beasley, Nick Hodges, Michael Kirkland and Cole Madray. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

Listen to Carissa Larry speak with Dylan on his success.

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Abigayle Bartholomew of the Lexington FFA Chapter in Tennessee has sows that have been linebred for 35 years but she also occasionally adds a new boar to increase genetic diversity. Her herd consists of 16 Duroc sows, seven replacement Duroc gilts, one crossbred sow, one replacement crossbred gilt, and one replacement Chester White gilt. Her day-to-day duties include feeding appropriate rations, repairing facilities, preparing show pigs for upcoming shows, and advertising to customers. Bartholomew is supported by her parents, Angie and Derek, and her FFA advisor, Dakota Brasher. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Carissa Larry interviews Abigayle for more information on her success.

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Tara Hummel of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Illinois has been involved in her family’s livestock operation for as long as she can remember. Her early chores included walking show goats, helping feed and just spending time in the barn. Since then, she’s learned about systematically and effectively running a small ruminant business, in addition to necessary management practices. Hummel plans on eventually taking over the family business. She is supported by her parents, Holly and Dale, and her FFA advisor, Diana Loschen. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Carissa Larry interviews Tara on Goat Production and her future aspirations.

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Garrett Slagell of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has been involved in all stages of production on his family farm for as long as he can remember. One of the specialty crops on the farm are ornamental gourds. Sitting on 60 acres, the gourds are planted in April and harvested in October. Slagell’s tasks include planting, harvesting, packaging and shipping. He is supported by his parents, Kendra and Chris and his FFA advisor, Chris Klaassen. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

Listen to Garrett explain to Carissa Larry his successes.

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Amelia Liebhart of the Bucklin FFA Chapter in Missouri raises registered Salers beef cattle, crossbred swine, and Boer goats. She currently has 18 cows, nine bred heifers, and 17 calves. She also works on the family farm, feeding, vaccinating, and working cattle. She also assists with crop production, and checking, building, and repairing fence. Liebhart is supported by her parents, Lisa and Russ, and her FFA advisor, Valerie Montgomery. Sponsored by BeKaert Corporation, Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation.

Carissa Larry discusses Amelia and her rise to the top.

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Levi Alsum of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his family’s operation, supplying fresh sweet corn and other fruits and vegetables to customers within a hundred-mile radius. The farm covers 400 acres. He and his brother operate a roadside stand, selling tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn, pumpkins, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Alsum is supported by his parents, Lona and Scott, and his FFA advisor, Keith Gundlach. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.

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Emma Poole, member of the Durant Senior FFA Chapter in Florida, won the National Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event.

She visits with Alex Voichoskie to share her experience.

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Jacob Pooler of the Paris FFA Chapter in Tennessee works for Tri Turf Sod Farms, helping to grow Bermuda, Zoysia, and Fescue grasses on 800 acres that are used to establish lawns on golf courses, athletic fields, and residential areas. In summers, he operates machinery and in falls, he cuts sod, either putting the sod on pallets or cutting strips for rolls and transferring to semi-trailers. Pooler is supported by his parents, Tina and Jason and his FFA advisors, Ryan Inman and Laura Moss. Sponsored by John Deere.

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Cade Snethen of the Benton Central FFA Chapter in Indiana works at a confinement feeding operation raising swine. The operation is wean-to-finish and houses approximately 4,200 hogs at a time. He manages the entire barn, handling everything from physical maintenance to administering vaccinations that ensure the integrity of the herd health. Snethen is supported by his parents, Rachel and Jeff, and his FFA advisor, Amanda Mullins. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

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