Listen to 2018-19 National FFA Central Region Vice President Ridge Hughbanks’s retiring address…

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Andy Holscher of the Upper Valley Career Center FFA Chapter in Ohio works at his family’s business, servicing and repairing lawn mowers and yard equipment. He started helping around the shop by doing simple jobs, like texting equipment for quality. However, his duties grew and now he can be found working on a large John Deere riding lawn mower, a small leaf blower, assisting customers, or anything in between.

Holscher is supported by his parents, Teresa and Marvin, and his FFA advisors, Michelle Brunson, Daniel Schmiesing, Deborah Stanfield, James Metz, Michaella Quinter, and John Kreitze. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

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Kyle Clark of the Spanish Fork FFA Chapter in Utah bought his first tractor, a Farmall Super C and worked with his neighbor, Gordon, and his father to work to fix it up and make it like new. This work led him to begin a business fixing tractors for himself and other people. Clark also performs maintenance on tractors for family and neighbors. He is supported by his parents, Jodi and John and his FFA advisors, Kaylee Liddiard and Chaleesa Warren. Sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation and Mystik Lubricants.

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Josh Heupel of the Merced-Golden Valley FFA Chapter in California was introduced to his family’s equipment fabrication operation at the age of four. He developed his passion for metal fabrication and welding. With the guidance of his family, he created new equipment for not only his family farm but for other farmers in the state. During his junior year, Heupel constructed a five-shank deep ripper to work on an orchard’s soil.

He is supported by his parents, Jackie and Scott, and his FFA advisors, Cody Jacobsen, Vikki Davis, Corey Mesa, and Rebecca Mendonza. Sponsored by Carry-On Trailer Corporation and Lincoln Electric.

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Lauren Roberts of the Trenton FFA Chapter in Florida gained the inspiration for her research project when she gave a speech in the seventh grade about the declining honey bee population. The goal of her research was to find a feasible plant- and bee-safe repellent that would keep bees away from pesticide-sprayed crops. She eventually narrowed it down to three nonlethal repellents. Roberts is supported by her parents, Franne and Jason, and her FFA advisor, Ashley Thoron. Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.

-Carissa Larry sits down and speaks with Lauren .

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Chloe Lynch of the Islands FFA Chapter in Georgia began her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) in 2015 when she became a departmental assistant to her agriculture teachers. The following year, she applied for a work-based learning education internship at Oatland Island Wildlife Center. There, she prepared lessons and educated students in a variety of schools. Lynch has since had more internships and experiences and plans to become an agriculture teacher in the future. She is supported by her parents, Joleen and Steve, and her FFA advisors, Myria Shipman and James Oliver. Sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation.

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Cade Riggin of the Riverton FFA Chapter in Kansas works for his family’s custom harvesting business, harvesting crops for farmers who may not have the proper equipment or time to do the task themselves. He travels across multiple states to complete the tasks – including Texas, Colorado, and Idaho. Riggin harvests wheat, corn, barley, safflower and flaxseed. Riggin is supported by his parents, Mary and Earl, and his FFA advisor, Jacob Larison. Sponsored by Red Brand.

Carissa Larry interviews Cade Riggin about his accomplishment.

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Braylee Finck of the Maroa-Forsyth FFA Chapter in Illinois operates a floral design business called Petals & Blooms. She prepares arrangements for proms, weddings, funerals, showers and graduations. She is completely in charge of all business purchases, sales and designs. Finck has hired assistants to support her work, as well. She is supported by her parents, Selina and Nick and her FFA advisor Cassie Crouch. Sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions and Valent USA Corporation.

Carissa Larry talks with Braylee Finck in this interview.

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Gabby Barber of the Lawton FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) that is rooted in photography, writing and, speaking with others. She got her start as chapter reporter but grew that into becoming chief editor of her chapter newsletter and collaborating with the communications department for her school district to share information about the agricultural education program. Barber is supported by her parents, Felesha and Cary, and her FFA advisors, Pete Dempsey, Christopher Conway, Lindsey Hoerbert, and Courtney Miller. Sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.

Carissa Larry sits down and interviews national winner , Gabby Barber.

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Cargill has been partnering with the National FFA Organization for 60 years, donating a total of $16 million to invest in the future of agriculture. To continue their efforts, Cargill will donate $2.1 million over the next three years, including $300,000 for the Sustainability Challenge.

Food Service Trade Sales Manager – Beef Sector Halley Nett visits with Alex Voichoskie to discuss how Cargill values its partnership with FFA.