Kentucky FFA members excel at National FFA Convention

Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 93rd Annual National FFA Convention, held virtually Oct. 27-29. More than 100,000 FFA members, advisers and supporters registered for the event, which also was broadcast live on RFD TV.

Mallory White of Union County was named the national winner in the Forage Production Proficiency contest. White’s work was based on her work on her family’s farm, where she has assisted with cutting, raking, baling and transporting hay. She is the daughter of Ryan and Brooke White, and her advisers are Jeremy Hill, Emilee Graves and Kelsie Stevens.

Alexandria Whitman of Green County placed second in the Food Products and Processing Systems Division 3 of the National Agriscience Fair. Whitman’s research related to the effectiveness of various food storage containers in relation to food preservation.

Hannah York of Caldwell County was one of four finalists for the American Star in Agribusiness Award. York developed a business of creating and selling fall displays, including pumpkins, gourds and fodder shocks. She has grown this business and has begun raising and selling fruits and vegetables, all while working for a local nursery and completing her degree at Murray State University.

York plans to continue full time in the horticulture industry after graduation in December. She is the daughter of Wes and Nikel York of Fredonia. Her FFA advisers are Wes York and Magen Woods.

Gracie Staude of Western Hills High School (Franklin County), represented Kentucky as a national FFA officer candidate. She is the daughter of Preston and Candi Staude of Frankfort. Her FFA advisers are J. R. Zinner, Jeff Shaffer and Jenna Burke. She is a student at Eastern Kentucky University, where she is majoring in agricultural education.

Madisonville North Hopkins High School (Hopkins County) was a national finalist in the National Chapter Model of Innovation in the area of Building Communities.

Royal Spring Middle School (Scott County) was one of five national finalists for the Middle School Model of Excellence award. Royal Spring is the first Kentucky FFA chapter to be recognized for this award.

Four Kentucky FFA members were selected as national proficiency award finalists in their respective areas, meaning they were in the top four nationally. They were:

Colton George, Caldwell County: Diversified Crop Production Placement
Seth Anderson, Madison Southern High School (Madison County): Forest Management
Jacob Eads, Taylor County: Turf Management
Dylan Adams, Caldwell County: Wildlife Management

Proficiency awards are based on a written application detailing the student’s accomplishments and learning related to his or her Supervised Agricultural Experience Program. National finalists complete an in-depth interview with industry leaders as part of the selection process.

Ten Kentucky FFA members placed in the top twelve in the FFA Agriscience Fair. They were:

Animal Systems Division 1: Richard Oakley, Royal Spring Middle School
Animal Systems Division 2: Lauren Bass and Katie Beth London, Barren County Middle School
Food Products and Processing Division 1: Ani Sutherland, Leestown Middle School (Fayette County)
Plant Science Systems: Chesney McPherson and Hadley Adams, Barren County Middle School
Power, Structural and Technical Systems Division 1: Gracie Paas, Royal Spring Middle School
Social Systems Division 2: Anistyn Kenley and Brooklyn Quint, Royal Spring Middle School
Social Systems Division 5: Jaylin Cox, Taylor County

The American FFA Degree was awarded to 95 Kentucky FFA members. This honor is the highest award the organization can bestow on a member.

Twelve Kentucky FFA chapters were recognized in the National Chapter Contest, including:

Bourbon County, LaRue County, Locust Trace, Madisonville North Hopkins, Royal Spring Middle School, Spencer County, Taylor County, Western Hills and Williamstown were recognized as National Three Star Chapters.
Madison Southern, Scott County and Seneca were recognized as National Two Star Chapters.

While Career Development and Leadership Development Events were not held this year, the following chapters and individuals were recognized as having qualified to compete at the national level: