2023 Forage Production- Entrepreneurship/Placement National Proficiency Winner Korbin Smith

Posted on November 3, 2023 by John Ching

Korbin Smith of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma works on his family’s farm, consisting of 2,200 acres growing high quality forages and a diverse mix of grass and cropland. Raising hay, growing grass, utilizing cover crops, and growing wheat and rye pastures has helped him understand the importance of good management practices and working towards a sustainable operation. Smith services the farm equipment, learning the importance of doing routine maintenance. He is supported by his parents, Kendra and Randall, and his FFA advisor, Chris Klaassen.

Korbin shares more with Broadcast Desk Intern John Ching.

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Wisconsin FFA’s Cody Huziak Wins Vegetable Production Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Michelle Stangler

Cody Jerald Hudziak of the Weuaywega-Fremont Chapter in Wisconsin has two placements for his supervised agricultural experience (SAE): one at the aquaponics system in his agriculture classroom and the other at Del Monte Foods. He was manager of the aquaponics system, growing buttercrunch lettuce in the system that is grown in water with fish waste. At Del Monte, he worked to grow green beans, potatoes, carrots and beets. Hudziak is supported by his parents, Kimberly and Duane, and his FFA advisors Sandra Dykes, Connie Peterson and Jessica Magdanz.

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Kansas FFA’s Noah Wiley Named Grain Production Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency Winner

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Michelle Stangler

Noah Thomas Wiley of the Labette County FFA Chapter in Kansas works at a 2,000-acre farm, growing corn and winter wheat. He is tasked with routine maintenance, including changing belts, fluids, bearings, and hoses, as well as those requiring high-level skills such as rebuilding the entire planter from the ground up. Wiley also operates the planter, grain drill, combine and grain cart. He is supported by his parents, Becky and Dustin, and his FFA advisors Kyle Zwahlen, Keith Geren and his father.

Wiley shares more about his project and future goals with Broadcast Desk Intern Michelle Stangler.

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Texas FFA Member Honored as 2023 American Star Farmer Finalist

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Lydia Johnson

Callie Welty from the Grandview FFA Chapter in Texas

Callie Welty began raising a Brahman herd when she was in third grade with the support of her mother, aunt and ranching family. Her initial cow has since turned into an internationally known business that ships genetics overseas. 

Learn more about Callie’s abilities to overcome the odds of being born deaf and thrive throughout her FFA experience in an interview with Broadcast Desk Intern, Lydia Johnson.

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Wisconsin FFA’s Ethan Lulich Wins Landscape Management Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

Ethan David Lulich of the Mauston FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his father’s landscaping business, which includes a retail garden center, landscaping installation crew, and a lawn care maintenance crew. He helps design outdoor living spaces including patios, firepits, sitting walls, walkways, stairs, lighting, irrigation systems, and water features. Lulich is supported by his parents, Lori and David, and his FFA advisor, Beth Babcock.

Ethan shared more about his supervised agricultural experience with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone.

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Noah Koth Named 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

Noah Koth of the North Huron FFA Chapter in Michigan helps farm 1,200 specialty crop acres of sugar beets and black turtle beans. He started working on the farm by driving the loader tractor to pick stones in the field. His responsibilities have increased and now include tillage, running the self-propelled sprayer, hauling water, mixing liquid fertilizer, and more. Koth is active in the repair and maintenance of the farm machinery and equipment, too. He is supported by his parents, Kelli and Donald, and his FFA advisors Joseph Ankley and Haley Talaski.

“If you really love what you’re doing, you’ll never work a day in your life,” Koth said. “That’s the beautiful part of agriculture.”

Hear more about Koth’s FFA story as he visits with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone.

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Retiring Address: Gracie Murphy

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Tom Brand

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Iowa FFA Member Josie Boyle Named 2023 National Winner in Employment Skills Contest

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Lydia Johnson

Winners of the National FFA Employment Skills Leadership Development Event (LDE) were announced Friday during the fifth session of the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The event was held in conjunction with the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Dr. Kirk Swortzel from Mississippi State University served as superintendent of the national event.

The top eight individuals received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The Employment Skills LDE is a competitive event that tests a student’s ability to perform effectively throughout the entire job application process. The participants prepare a resume, cover letter and complete an online application. They also participate in phone, one-on-one and panel job interviews as part of the competition.

The event, held at the Crowne Plaza in Indianapolis is one of many educational activities at the convention and expo, where FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.

Learn more about Josie Boyle’s experience in the Iowa West Delaware FFA Chapter and her business ettiquete recommendations in an interview with Broadcast Desk Intern, Lydia Johnson.

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Joseph Ledford Named 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

Joseph Ledford of the Jackson-Empower FFA Chapter in Georgia repairs and restores antique tractors, and buys and sells tractors as part of his restoration business. He has learned how to service internal combustion engines by maintaining ignition, fuel and  cooling systems. Ledford can rebuild distributors and carburetors, diagnose engine malfunction and more. He is supported by his parents, Carmen and Keith, and his FFA advisors Micah Story, Greg Gilman, Jacob Segers and Anthony Brooks.

Joseph shared about his passion for antique tractor repair and more with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone.

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Nebraska FFA’s Creyton Line Wins Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Michelle Stangler

Creyton Line of the Sumner-Eddyville-Miller FFA Chapter in Nebraska focuses on protection and conservation of the natural resources at his family’s Triangle J Ranch. He plants tree lanes, transplants cedar trees, builds terraces, and waters and fertilizes trees. Line also removes volunteer plants like musk thistles and other harmful vegetation. He is supported by his parents, Annette and Darby, and his FFA advisors Emily Reitz and Katie Hothem.

Line speaks about the value of award-winning project with Broadcast Desk Intern Michelle Stangler.

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