Claire Seibel of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter in Virginia began her research with the hope of improving the genetic quality of the herd on her family farm by increasing the number of heifers in standing estrus. This enables the animals to breed with artificial insemination. She ran her trial eight times over four years, drastically improving the herd and inspiring Claire to pursue a future career in agriscience with ag engineering and oenology. She is supported by her parents, Megan and Andy, and her FFA advisor, Stuart Byrd. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

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Charlie Hoppe of the Cedar Park FFA Chapter in Texas has a supervised agricultural experience that began with business trading portfolios. He has maintained online investment accounts for his family, friends and himself since 2012. This includes the buying, selling, shorting and hedging of agriculture stocks, options, commodities, exchange traded funds and dividend funds. In the future, Charlie will pursue opening his own financial advising firm. He is supported by his parents, Jennifer and Chris, and his FFA advisors, Jack Winterrowd and Myles Russell. This award is sponsored by Stanley Black and Decker, Inc.

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Sierra MacKenzie Drewes of the Kern Valley FFA Chapter in California works at a feed store in her community, selling medicine, grooming supplies, supplements and tack. Entrusted to open and manage the store on her own, she also has the opportunity to develop skills in public relations, money handling, public speaking and business management. Sierra is attending Fresno State University and plans on majoring in agriculture education with a focus in animal science. She is supported by her parents, Lauren and Todd, and her FFA advisors, Emily Keverline and Robert Hanger. This award is sponsored by Fastenal and Provimi North America, Inc.

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Hannah York of the Caldwell County FFA Chapter in Kentucky creates autumn displays in her community for private homes and businesses. After local fields have been combined, she gathers leftover cornstalks — approximately 250 at a time — and sorts them into groups of 12 to 15 for display purposes. Hannah uses mums, pumpkins and gourds as well to provide a decorative option for those looking for decorations but lacking time to do it themselves. She is supported by her parents, Nikel and Wes, and her FFA advisors, Magen Woods and her father. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services and Valent USA Corporation.

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Garrett Hershel Harrell of the Colquitt County FFA Chapter in Georgia works at Collier Tomato, a produce packing facility that packs more than 11 million pounds of tomatoes each year. He works in the packing shed, monitoring the temperature of the holding tanks, customization of belts to sort the sizes of the tomatoes and checking pH levels in the tanks. In addition to earning his degree, Garrett plans to buy in to Collier Tomato and become both the farm manager and overseer of the packing shed. He is supported by his mom, Julie, and his FFA advisors, Adrienne Smith, Stacey Beacham, Jesse Boland and Gene Hart. This award is sponsored by CHS.

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Drake Logan Davis of the Southmont FFA Chapter in Indiana started in agricultural mechanics five years ago by helping his father on the farm. He has restored a 1949 Farmall Cub, a 1962 Farmall 504, a 1935 Farmall F12 and a 1977 International 1086. Davis has also competed in a Chevron Delo tractor restoration contest, placing third and being named the reserve national champion. He plans to graduate from Parkland College with an associate degree in applied science, becoming an agricultural mechanics technician. He is supported by his parents, Melody and Dan, and his FFA advisors, Erin Gilley and Gary Mosbaugh. This award is sponsored by Chevrolet and Tractor Supply Company.

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When Aaron Lane Hendrich of the Eaton-MVCTC FFA Chapter in Ohio was seven years old, his parents gave him an old push mower that did not run. After disassembling it, he made some repairs, put it back together and it ran. His interest in engines continued, and he was eventually selected to represent Ohio in the National 4-H small engine competition, placing second. Aaron hopes to have a career in small engine maintenance and repair and eventually become a mechanical engineer. He is supported by his parents, Esther and Phillip, and his FFA advisor, Rebecca Holbrook. This award is sponsored by Kubota Tractor Corporation and Mystik Lubricants.

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Bryce Cline of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas works with his father in his construction firm. He started by working on small projects such as pen systems, livestock equipment and small structures. He eventually learned to cover all aspects of the operation, including planning, securing materials, building and finishing large-scale custom metal buildings. Cline plans to attend Tarleton State University to study agricultural education and agribusiness, with the goal of a career in agricultural science and research. He is supported by his parents, Jennifer and Grant, and his FFA advisors, Michael Rainey and Ryan Best. This award is sponsored by Carry-On Trailer Corporation and Lincoln Electric.

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Katelyn Ann Zimmerman of the Spencer FFA Chapter in Wisconsin has been a leader in her chapter’s agricultural literacy programs and Breakfast on the Farm activities. She became a camp counselor at the school’s agriscience camp and taught a lesson about seeds with a hands-on activity. Katelyn eventually became camp director and was charged with developing lesson plans, recruiting and training counselors and more. She plans to pursue a career as an agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor. She is supported by her parents, Cheryl and Mark, and her FFA advisor, her father. This award is sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School.

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Kolt Buchenroth of the Kenton-OHP FFA Chapter in Ohio began his career in agricultural communications when he was offered a job at WKTN Radio as the agriculture news reporter. Serving the northwest Ohio region, he works to report factual, accurate and engaging agricultural news to his listeners. Kolt also manages the Hardin County Fair website and other social media outlets. He plans to attend The Ohio State University at Lima and pursue a degree in agricultural communications and eventually become a farm broadcaster. He is supported by his parents, Jolene and Buck, and his FFA advisor, Shalie Logan. This award is sponsored by Bader Rutter and Associates, Inc. and Red Brand.

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