Elizabeth Wilts of the Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunberg KMS FFA Chapter in Minnesota began her SAE in 2011 by renting 10 acres of land to grow a crop of soybeans. In the five years, her production has quadrupled, and she’s developed the skills to coordinate all aspects of the operation: financial planning, record keeping, machinery maintenance and more. Wilts utilizes no-till methods in her soybean production. She is supported by her parents, Gina and Harmon, and her FFA advisor, Christa Williamson. This award is sponsored by Bunge North America.

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Callie Brooke Warren of the Lowndes County FFA Chapter in Valdosta, Ga., works on her family farm, helping to produce, process and market 50 acres of blueberries. Beginning her placement, she was given simple tasks like mowing between the rows to prevent the grass and weeds from over-growing the blueberry plants. Eventually, she took on more such as spraying herbicide, keeping records, and learning how to operate the necessary equipment. Warren is supported by her parents, Amy and Kevin, and her FFA advisors, Dr. James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Michael Barnes. This award is sponsored by the DuPont Company.

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Josh J. Anderson of the Wisconsin Dells FFA Chapter in Wisconsin developed an interest in tractors at a young age.  When he started actually driving, he was allowed to chop stalks in the fall.  As he became older, he was given more responsibilities including planting corn and combining on his father’s farm.  Anderson looks forward to eventually becoming a production agriculturalist.  He is supported by his parents, Gina and Mark, and his FFA advisor, Dawn Gonzalez. This award is sponsored by BASF.

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Brandon Anding of the Granton FFA Chapter in Wisconsin began his SAE in the seventh grade by helping his father with garage door repairs and installations.  At first, he wasn’t allowed to work with any power tools and merely helped with holding things in place.  Now, he can install an entire door.  In addition to this experience, Anding has also competed in the Chevron DELO Tractor Restoration Competition.  He is supported by his parents, Chris and Curtis, and his FFA advisor, Cheryl Steinbach. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

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Adam Joseph Eichacker of the McCook Central FFA Chapter in Salem, S.D., rents 82 acres of tillable land from his neighbor. Bartering equipment from his father in return for labor, he grows soybeans and corn on the rented acreage. His endeavors in production agriculture began seven years ago when his grandfather gave him the opportunity to farm seven acres. Since that time, he’s learned how to run a successful operation. Eichacker is supported by his parents, Cathy and Steve, and his FFA advisors, Terry Rieckmana and Tracy Chase. This award is sponsored by CHS.

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Clay Alan Burkham of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has three facets to his service repertoire. He has been a four-year member of the local junior fire explores program, learning to prevent and fight both residential and wild fires. He has helped his father rebuild homes for low-income families in their community.  And finally, he mows lawns for 15 elderly individuals who would otherwise be charged by the city due to their inability to mow themselves. Burkham is supported by his parents, Angela and Bob, and his FFA advisors, Jeff Klose, Jaye Hawkins, D’Arcy Roberts and Jeff Mason. This award is sponsored by Carhartt, Inc.

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Brant A. Francis of the Paris FFA Chapter in Missouri began his project as soon as he could pack a bucket and fill a feed pan. He began by purchasing two Southdown ewe lambs. Docking tails, drying newborns by the wood stove and bottle feeding orphans was part of his hands-on learning process. He retains quality lambs for his own flock or markets them to exhibitors. Lambs not suited for breeding are marketed through the local sale barn. Francis is supported by his parents, Barb and Tony, and his FFA advisors, Josh Bondy and Teresa Briscoe.  This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

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Braden Warren Ifft of the Tri-Point FFA Chapter in Cullom, Ill., inherited his business from an older brother and sister.  Selling all-natural, free-range eggs and turkey products, he operates his business in the greater Chicago area.  He receives orders for eggs and turkey products on a weekly basis and contracts producers in his area to fill the orders.  Ifft is supported by his parents, Julie and Tim, and his FFA advisor, Diana Loschen. This award is sponsored by Crop Production Services.

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Rhett Michael Bain of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas has developed, marketed and implemented a smartphone application called StockStat.  The app has changed the way people attend and watch stock shows and state fairs.  Free to customers but sold as a yearly subscription to each show or fair, the app shows classes of participants.  Bain is supported by his parents, Cindy and Mike, and his FFA advisors, Jeff Klose, Jaye Hawkins, D’Arcy Roberts and Jett Mason. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation and National FFA Organization.

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Mckenzie Brooke Torrance of the Cheyenne FFA Chapter in Oklahoma started her goat production operation when she was 9 years old. That year, she purchased, exhibited and bred her first show doe. Her goal is to produce high-quality wethers and does capable of competing at county, district, state, and national shows.  Torrance has grown her herd mostly from show does she has retained to exhibit herself.  Currently, her herd consists of 14 mature does and three raised show does.  She is supported by her parents, Jamie and Nathan, and her FFA advisor, Tanner Thompson. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

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