Thomas William Woelfie of the Munford “Big Boll” FFA Chapter in Tennessee began his interest in goat production 11 years ago when his grandfather purchased two Boer/Kiko mixed does and a buck for him. By the time he started high school, he had five registered Boer does – a number that would increase to 30 over the next five years. His daily work consists of caring for livestock, fence repair and general maintenance. Thomas is attending Austin Peay State University, pursuing a degree in agriculture and animal sciences. He is supported by his parents, Karen and Woody, and his FFA advisors, Ashley Bringle, Glenn Goulder, Bill Newsom, Ann Johnson and Leanne McRae. This award is sponsored by the Bekaert Corporation and Tractor Supply Company.

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Dillion Gerome Givens of the McMinn County FFA Chapter in Tennessee works on his father’s seven acre muscadine vineyard, assisting in growing the 1,400 plants that produce 25 tons of muscadine grapes. His responsibilities include pruning, working within the limits of the weather, controlling weeds and making the vineyard aesthetically pleasing. Dillion hopes to continue advancing his pomology and agribusiness skills. He is supported by his parents, Hayley and Randy, and his FFA advisors, Suzane Edwards, Brittany Davis and Michelle Parrott. This award is sponsored by AgroFresh and the DuPont Company.

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Samuel Rhodes of the Central High School Shenandoah FFA Chapter in Virginia started receiving small chores in his father’s sawmill when he was ten years old. He developed a passion for the work, learning to evaluate tree stands, identify trees and pests and disease and effectively work with customers. At the mill, Samuel assists in record keeping, reforestation, billing and more. He hopes to ultimately end up in the forest industry. He is supported by his parents, Anita and Joseph, and his FFA advisors, Sherry Heishman and Amanda Curry. This award is sponsored by John Deere.

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Blake Kirchhoff of the Superior FFA Chapter in Nebraska owns and operates a custom swathing and baling business. In 2014, he started baling for the family farm and selling its hay. Through advertising at local businesses, he’s been able to pick up more acres and clients. Blake eventually added a swather to his operation so he could easily take on a 500-acre job. He’s also purchased a John Deere 4255 tractor. He is supported by his parents, Cindy and Matthew, and his FFA advisor, Seth Going. This award is sponsored by Claas of America.

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Ann Marie Shelby of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter in Ohio has a supervised agricultural experience program that consists of food science projects related to developing new products and solving problems. One such experiment included determining whether certain fruits were more nutrient dense than others. Through the World Food Prize, she also became interested in food insecurity issues. Shelby plans to study chemical engineering or food biological and environmental engineering. She is supported by her mom, Carol, and her FFA advisors, Jennifer Johnston and Aaron Miller. This award is sponsored by Pilgrim’s.

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Luke Muller of the Navajo FFA Chapter in Oklahoma grew up in the cotton furrows, learning every aspect of the operation. He’s been tasked with irrigating, chopping weeds and helping his father scout for pests. Luke was present when a canola crop of 300 acres was added to the farm. Starting out on a crew, he is now put in charge of a three- to five-man crew. He is attending Oklahoma State University and majoring in plant and soil science. He is supported by his parents, Kellie and Matt, and his FFA advisor, Scott McCombs. This award is sponsored by Bunge North America.

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Cody Lane Wofford of the Madison County FFA Chapter in Georgia has been exhibiting, managing and training Tennessee Walking Horses since the seventh grade. Each day, he exercises the stable’s 22 horses, rehearsing a plethora of gaits that will be expected of them in show. In addition to training and feeding the horses, he also assists in trimming hooves and shoeing as needed. After graduating high school, Cody plans to enroll at Casey and Son Horseshoeing school to become a certified farrier. He is supported by his parents, Jenny and Bret, and his FFA advisors, Katie Hall, Deion Latimer, Kathrine Bell and Cindy Jones. This award is sponsored by Tarter Farm & Ranch Equipment and Tractor Supply Company.

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Demi West of the Gilmer FFA Chapter in Texas purchases, trains and sells ranch and performance horses and ponies as part of her supervised agricultural experience. Starting with a sound-minded and well-built colt, she brings out its innate potential. She begins with ground work, lunging, stopping and turning. Throughout her four-year SAE, she has trained and sold 12 horses and have four that are being trained to sell. Demi plans to attend Northeast Texas Community College and continue growing her horse business. She is supported by her parents, Wendy and Shannon, and her FFA advisors, Russell Thomas, Sue Witt, Paulette Aguilar, Kyle Keahey and Cati Heikkinen. This award is sponsored by Red Brand.

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Margaret Mackin of the Rigby FFA Chapter in Idaho works for a family business, consulting with land owners and developers, including ranchers and other agricultural producers, to comply with government laws and regulations, particularly those of the Environmental Protection Agency. She helps clients avoid wetland violations, defend alleged allegations and more. Margaret hopes to study finance in college and become a financial advisor. She is supported by her parents, Susan and William, and her FFA advisors, Robert Hale, Holly Fullmer and Lex Godfrey. This award is sponsored by CHS.

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Adam Daniel Blumenschein of the Fairbanks FFA Chapter in Ohio raises and manages a herd of 100 commercial Dorset ewes, 111 market lambs, 18 commercial Angus females and 13 market and replacement cattle. He started showing Hampshire sheep with his sister when he was only seven years old. He markets his sheep and cattle to local customers as freezer meat. Adam has worked to get an increased rate of gain in his lambs and steers by using ground ear corn. He hopes have the largest commercial flock in central Ohio and increase his cattle to 40 head. He is supported by his parents, Aimee and Dan, and his FFA advisors, Rob Riddle and John Thomas. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation.

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