Garret Gomes Named Agricultural Processing Entrepreneurship/Placement Winner

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Michelle Stangler

Garret Gomes of the Gunstine FFA Chapter in California works at his local butcher shop and has learned about the meat processing industry in the 3,200-square-foot shop. He helps make more than 60 different types of sausage, hand cuts steaks and chops, and smokes meat products, as well. When he began his position, he learned about sanitation, sausage making, and meat marinating. Gomes is supported by his parents, Christine and Richie, and his FFA advisors Kelly Sanches, Matt Baffunno, Cameron Wyman, and Graciela Martinez.

Gomes highlights his experiences with Broadcast Desk Intern Michelle Stangler.

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Hayden Holdgrafer Named 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Lydia Johnson

Hayden Holdgrafer of the Easton Valley FFA Chapter in Iowa began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) by renting acres to grow corn, soybeans and hay. The scope of his projects grew each year along with the number of acres he rented. He feels blessed that his SAE has earned him financial footing, agronomic knowledge and life lessons. Holdgrafer is supported by his parents, Keri and Brian, and his FFA advisor, Steven Eskildsen. 

Learn more about Holdgrafer’s vision for his future in production agriculture and his perspective on the greatest challenges facing the agriculture industry in an interview with Broadcast Desk Intern, Lydia Johnson.

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Matthew Gossett Named Fiber and Oil Crop Production Entrepreneurship/Placement Winner

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Michelle Stangler

Matthew Gossett of the Lynchburg-Clay FFA Chapter in Ohio began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) in the fall of 2019 when he rented 12 acres of ground to farm soybeans. He’s since increased his land to 43 acres. Gossett also works his family’s soybean farm of 662 acres. He plants, fertilizes, sprays and harvests the crop. He is supported by his parents, Lori and Ronnie, and his FFA advisor, Dara Landess.

Gossett shares more about his award-winning area with Broadcast Desk Intern Michelle Stangler.

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Wylie Schwebach Named 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Diversified Crop Production – Placement

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

Wylie Schwebach of the Moriarty FFA Chapter in New Mexico works on the family’s 2,500-acre irrigated grain and forage production operation. The farm produces 1,050 acres of corn, 740 acres of alfalfa, 610 acres of triticale, and 100 acres of barley each year. He is trusted with the management of planting, monitoring, and evaluating, and maintenance and operation of the equipment. Schwebach is supported by his parents, Shannon and Ryan, and his FFA advisor, Cole Andes.

Wylie shared more about his SAE with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone.

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Morgan Hodge Named 2023 National Proficiency Winner in Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Lydia Johnson

Morgan Hodge of the West Liberty FFA Chapter in Iowa was introduced to trapshooting and outdoor recreation when she took her first hunter’s safety course at the age of 12. Her father and grandfather were avid trapshooters who taught her about shooting sports and hunting. She works at a gun club, maintaining safety protocols, providing lawn care, reclaiming lead, and maintaining target-throwing machines. Hodge is supported by her parents, Roberta and Stewart, and her FFA advisors Elyse Buysse and Zachary Morris. 

Learn more about Hodge’s employment and current trapshooting team involvement at William Penn University in an interview with Broadcast Desk Intern, Lydia Johnson.

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Texas FFA’s Braedon Raven Named Forest Management and Products Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency Winner

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

Braedon Raven of the Klein FFA Chapter in Texas works at the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm. The 40 acres has approximately 10,000 Virginia pine and cypress trees. He plants, manages, and grows these trees each year, in addition to  staking and clipping them. Raven utilizes irrigation systems, pest control methods and natural colorants. He is supported by his parents, Lynn and Brian, and his FFA advisors Rebecca Brummond, Michael Brummond, Clayton Bill and Emery Spence.

Braedon sat down with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone to share more about his supervised agricultural experience working on a Christmas tree farm.

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Retiring Address: Jess Herr

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Tom Brand

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Prepared Public Speaking LDE Winner Hails From Texas

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Hannah Whetstone

INDIANAPOLIS- Winners of the National FFA Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event (LDE) were announced Friday during the fourth session of the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Mr. E.L. Caraway of Texas served as superintendent of this year’s event.

The top four individuals received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The prepared public speaking LDE is designed to recognize outstanding FFA members for their ability to prepare and present a factual speech on a specific agricultural issue in a well thought-out and logical manner in a competitive setting. Members prepare and deliver an eight to ten minute speech from memory and respond to five minutes of questions. The event is just one way FFA members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner.

The event, held at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, is one of many educational activities at the National FFA Convention & Expo in which FFA members practice the lessons learned in agricultural education classes.

The winner of this event, Kade Lawrence, hails from the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas. He sat down with Broadcast Desk Intern Hannah Whetstone to share about his passion for public speaking and more.

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Speaker: Corey Flournoy

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Tom Brand

Motivational speaker Corey Flournoy addressed the attendees of the Session Four on Friday morning at the 96th National FFA Convention.

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2023 Goat Production- Entrepreneurship/Placement National Proficiency Winner Chase Hummel

Posted on November 3, 2023 by John Ching

Chase Hummel of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Illinois works with his family’s livestock show goat breeding division, raising approximately 500 head of meat goats annually to be sold as 4-H and FFA projects across the country. He became responsible for monitoring the body condition and general health status of the 350 does, implementing parasite management practices and an embryo transfer program. Hummel is supported by his parents, Holly and Dale, and his FFA advisors Diana Loschen, Jenna Baker and Kaylee Shouse.

Chase shares  more with Broadcast Desk Intern John Ching.

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