Motivational speaker and fear facer Michelle Poler spoke to members and guests at the sixth general session of the 92nd National FFA Convention…

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Kelly Price of the Appomattox FFA Chapter in Virginia is a certified EMT, member of the Appomattox County Volunteer Rescue Squad, and member of the Red House Volunteer Fire Department. She spends her time participating in training workshops, recruitment programs, and answering calls. Price finished her EMT certification in fall 2018. She is supported by her mother, Angela, and her FFA advisors, Elizabeth Duncan, Ed McCann and Hannah Simpson. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

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Austin Dotterer of the Smithville FFA Chapter in Ohio began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) because he wanted to help his aunt and uncle who own a blackberry farm of about 2,400 plants. When he began, his only responsibilities were picking, cutting out old growth and lateral training. He’s since learned most aspects of raising the fruit, including wedding, equipment care, and primocane training. Dotterer is supported by his parents, Amy and Steve and his FFA advisor, Stephen Heppe. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

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Caden Zotter of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has two aspects to his supervised agricultural experience (SAE). The first helps various hunting outfits collect disease data in harvested wildlife used for food consumption in order to improve food safety for hunters and those who enjoy eating wild meat. While a sophomore in high school, he also began working at a local supermarket, helping with food safety and inspection. Zotter is supported by his parents, Brenda and Joe and his FFA advisors, Chase Fulton, Jeff Klose, D’Arcy Roberts and Jennifer Warren. Sponsored by Pilgrim’s.

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With his father and grandfather, Lane Partin of the Obion County Central FFA Chapter in Tennessee is a partner in Hampton & Partin Farms. His operation is 96 acres, 45 of which are in corn production. He rotates his crops each year, vacillating between corn and soybeans. Partin and his father came to an agreement when he began that he would work on his father’s land in exchange for the use of his father’s equipment.

He is supported by his parents, Angie and Tim, and his FFA advisors, Stuart Watskon and Sarah Frazier. Sponsored by Valent USA Corporation.

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When her mother started her retail greenhouse, Kylynn Mallen of the Cameron FFA Chapter in Missouri took her role in the new business, too. Summers before high school were spent learning the tricks of the trade and when freshman year rolled around, she knew exactly how to contribute. Mallen leases 50 percent of the greenhouse space where she grows 7,740 bedding and nursery plants, selling to both landscape professionals and local gardeners. She is supported by her parents, Julie and Joseph, and her FFA advisors, Carmen Buller and Chris Henderson. Sponsored by Nufarm Americas.

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The McCool Junction FFA Chapter represented Nebraska in the Hall of Chapters display. Chapter member Garrett Hansen said the purpose of the display was to show that Nebraska raises more than corn, soybeans and cattle. The state also produces dry edible beans, asparagus and popcorn among other things.

Hansen visited with Alex Voichoskie to share about the exhibit.

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Jonni Biren of the Russell Tyler Ruthton FFA Chapter in Minnesota works for a six-horse hitch of Shire geldings called Dakota Thunder Shires. She helps drive the horses, cleans stalls, feeds up to 12 head of horses, grooms, and provides other care and support. Biren looks forward to owning her own Belgian draft horses. She is supported by her parents, Carol and John and her FFA advisor, Jennifer Boersma. Sponsored by Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment and Tractor Supply Company.

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Tate Ahlvers of the Beloit FFA Chapter in Kansas works on his family farm, working 9,000 acres across four counties. Twelve-hundred of those acres is for forage production. On average, the operation produces around 2,000 alfalfa bales and 3,000 straw bales each year. Ahlvers uses a number of management techniques to increase production, including fertilizing all of the ground in the winter off-season, thus maintaining the organic matter in the soil. He is supported by his parents, Angie and Scott and his FFA advisor Jacob Rutledge. Sponsored by Claas of America.

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Justin Scott of the Indian Valley FFA Chapter in Ohio works on his cousin’s 1,200-acre farm. The operation is a 50-50 rotation between yellow dent corn and soybeans. His cousin has slowly empowered him to take on more responsibilities, beginning with cleaning equipment and operating tillage implements and working to maintaining and repairing equipment, transporting grain, and making management decisions. Scott is supported by his parents, Sommer and Tim, and his FFA advisor, David Stiles. Sponsored by Agrelient.

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