Listen to the “Evolution of Dance” creator Judson Laipply, who spoke at Session 7 of the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo…

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Listen to National Secretary Erica Baier share her retiring address, “Fighter.”

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Carlye Winfrey of the Seminole FFA chapter got first place in the Employment Skills competition. This isn’t the first time Carlye has walked off a national stage with a first place award; back in 2015, she won first in the nation for the Creed competition as well. Check out Corryn La Rue’s interview with her below.

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Garrett Griner of the Colquitt County FFA Chapter in Moultrie, Ga., works for his grandfather’s stocking company, producing quail to be released for guided quail hunts. He helps raise 150,000 quail each year for local plantations in six Georgia counties. His responsibilities include completing all preparation to receive birds, watering, feeding and medicating. Through his supervised agricultural experience (SAE), he’s developed a strong work ethic, time management abilities and record keeping skills. Griner is supported by his FFA advisors, Gene Hart, Stacey Beacham, Jesse Boland and Steve Bass. This award is sponsored by Carhartt, Inc. and Yamaha Motor Corporation USA.

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Megan Letkeman of the Seminole FFA Chapter in Texas works at a local full-service veterinary hospital that provides care for both large and small animals. The facility offers an array of services that she has learned to assist in, including diagnostic and therapeutic services, surgical procedures, hydrotherapy, boarding, animal dentistry, radiology, laboratory services and more. Letkeman plants to attend Texas Tech University to begin on the pre-vet route. She is supported by her FFA advisors Misty Day, Mary Jenner, Chad Orum and Mary Savage. This award is sponsored by American Veterinary Medical Association.

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Isaac Lenier of the Berrien FFA Chapter in Nashville, Ga., works for his family’s twelve acre you-pick vegetable stand. The operation produces tomatoes, okra, sweet corn, bell peppers, watermelons and jalapeños. The stand was born as a project for Lanier and his brother. With a growing customer base, they were able to build a permanent stand and provided already picked produce for those who don’t have time to harvest their own. He is supported by his FFA advisors Lissi Carr, Scott Johnson, Blake Kendrick and Garvie Nichols. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wilbur-Ellis Company.

Listen to Isaac’s interview with Alex Voichoskie.

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Carson Eyre of the Western Brown FFA Chapter in Mount Orab, Ohio, began his lawncare business by mowing his grandmother’s property every two weeks. Enjoying the money he made, he decided to turn the operation in a legitimate business, Eyre Lawn Care, providing a lawn care mowing service as well as landscape improvement jobs and winter snow removal. Since 2015, his business has grown to 20 regular customers in 2016 to 42 the following year. Eyre is supported by his FFA advisor, Ryan Rosselot. This award is sponsored by John Deere.

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Brenden Kleiboeker of the Pierce City FFA Chapter in Stotts City, Mo., works for a farm that raises approximately 1,000 all-natural, deeply-bedded, antibiotic-free market hogs. His responsibilities with the hogs begin before they even get to the farm. He pressure-washes and cleans out all buildings before bedding them down with wheat straw. He’s tasked with the day-to-day care of the pigs, including checking the feeder level and splashing the waters. Kleiboeker considers it his goal to feed, fuel and clothe Americans in the safest, most sustainable way possible by educating himself and serving others. He is supported by his FFA advisors, Duane Kaiser and Heather DeOrnellis. This award is sponsored by Zoetis.

Listen to Bronson Teichert’s conversation with Brenden here.

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Jonathan Timm of the Cisne FFA Chapter in Luka, Ill., comes from a cattle-producing family so he had to prove to his parents that he was up for the task of switching lanes into swine production. When he was in the seventh grade, he purchased his first two show pigs, a purebred Hampshire gilt and barrow. He now sells show pigs to local 4-H members and also markets feeder pigs and fat hogs for butcher meat. Timm wants to become a teacher of middle school science while also continuing to produce and market quality beef and swine. He is supported by his FFA advisor, Jennifer Timm. This award is sponsored by Zoetis.

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Grace Box of the Neosho FFA Chapter in Missouri produces and markets Belgium Hardy Mums as part of her own business, Gracie’s Mums. In her fourth season growing, she raised 250 mums her first year, increasing to 350 in her fourth year. She purchased a fertilizer injector from her profits, allowing her to more accurately apply fertilizer when needed, resulting in a more uniform crop. Box maintains a business license with the city and purchases booth space at its annual Fall Festival to sell her wares.  She is supported by her FFA advisors, Jennifer Thogmartin, Austin Steele and Kerlin Kruse. This award is sponsored by Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC and Lindsay Corporation.

Listen to Grace’s interview with Alex Voichoskie.

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