Mason Sowers of the James River FFA Chapter in Fincastle, Va., works at a local feed, seed and hardware co-op. His duties include helping customers, stocking feed, loading and unloading shipments, emptying trash cans, closing the store, cleaning the warehouse, counting inventory and more. This job has taught Sowers about business, money management and people skills. He said it has better prepared him for life. He is supported by his FFA advisor, Paul Wakeman. This award is sponsored by Fastenal.

Listen to Mason’s interview with Alex Voichoskie.

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Abigail Hissong of the Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter in Troy, Ohio, has spent three years conducting experiments to analyze multiple facets of plant systems pertaining to corn. The first experiment she ran was a study of how varying temperatures can affect the germination rate of corn. Her final study involved fungicide trials and a partnership with Harvest Land Co-Op. Using drones to scout with, Hissong worked with 96.55 acres of land. She is supported by her FFA advisor, Elizabeth Fields Constable. This award is sponsored by FMC Corporation, Agricultural Solutions.

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Brock Vetick of the Lyons-Decatur Northeast FFA Chapter in Nebraska had his interest in agriscience research sparked when he was in the ninth grade and he performed a research project on soil erosion and crop residue management. The next year, he constructed his own electrophoresis chamber, sorting DNA by length using electricity. Vetick has continued his research in a lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he is a student. He is supported by his FFA advisor, Kevin Anderson. This award is sponsored by Darling Ingredients and Seneca Foods Corporation.

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While Hadley Stiefvater of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in Salem, S.D., also raises poultry, beef cattle, swine and sheep, her research has taken center stage in her supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Her first year of work, she researched feed used in pullet production and the second year, she looked into the effects of oral and injectable iron on the hemoglobin levels in young piglets. Stiefwater is supported by her FFA advisors, Tracy Chase and Terry Rieckman. This award is sponsored by National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

Listen to Hadley’s interview with Alex Voichoskie.

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Emily Holcomb of the Firelands FFA Chapter in Wakeman, Ohio, began producing maple syrup as a family project with her father. After being exposed to maple sugaring at a young age, she began to take a more active role in the operation. From November to February, she prepares for the upcoming syrup season by splitting wood, repairing tubing systems, filling in ruts used to collect sap and inspecting syrup pans. The family has 600-700 trees to tap on 21 acres. The trees are tapped in late February or early March and more than 200 gallons are collected. Impurities are removed during the processing. Holcomb is supported by her FFA advisor Shanna Finnegan. This award is sponsored by National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

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Logan Paul of the Randolph-Cambria-Friesland FFA Chapter in Wisconsin works for his father’s repair and metal fabrication business. Most of his customers are farmers needing their equipment repaired but he also works with two trucking companies with over 100 semi-tractors and trailers. Paul specializes in welding repairs. He plans to become a partner in the business in the future and eventually take over the operation himself. He is supported by his FFA advisor, Keith Gundlach. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Listen to Bronson Teichert’s conversation with Logan here.

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William Burdette of the Madison County High School FFA Chapter in Comer, Ga., had his interest in welding sparked in the ninth grade when he worked for a friend, building small utility trailers. After taking a metal fabrication class and earning a welding internship at Caterpillar, his interest became a passion. He now works for Caterpillar and is responsible for fabricating the parts for mini-hydraulic excavators. Burdette also inspects and troubleshoots welds for defects such as porosity and undercut. He is supported by his FFA advisors, Kathrine Bell, Kalie Hall, Cindy Jones and Josh Daniel. This award is sponsored by Carry-On Trailer Corporation and Lincoln Electric.

Listen to Burdette’s interview with Alex Voichoskie.

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Brent Moore of the Garrard County FFA Chapter in Paint Lick, Ky., owns a tractor tire repair service.  When he noticed there was no one nearby to provide this service, he was inspired to begin his own.  Starting his project, he focused solely on working on tractor tires. Now, he has learned to prepare a budget, maintain accurate records and provide sound customer service. Moore is supported by his FFA advisors, Aaron McDonald and Christen Rosenberry. This award is sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation and Mystik Lubricants.

Listen to Bronson Teichert’s conversation with Brent here.

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Amelia Hayden of the Big Foot FFA Chapter in Sharon, Wis., began her work in this area after signing up to help with a fourth-grade agricultural literacy event. She enjoyed the experience so much that she continued to offer her services to her community. She became involved with the county extension program, working on a team of two youth to create a program on natural resources for middle school students. Her favorite aspect of this work, however, has been helping FFA members develop their own skills, whether it be teaching them how to develop an agriscience research project to helping with homework or proficiency applications. Hayden is supported by her FFA advisors, Lisa Konkel and Jeanne Case. This award is sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School.

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From the moment Jamie Hart of the Versailles FFA Chapter in Ohio gave her first presentation in her Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources course, she was hooked on public speaking. She was motivated to find a job as a Farm News Director. When her local radio station was searching for a student farm news broadcast, she jumped at the chance. Six counties in Ohio and Indiana regularly hear news delivered from Hart. She is supported by her FFA advisor, Dena Wuebker. This award is sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.

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