Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 95^th Annual National FFA Convention, which was held October 26-29 in Indianapolis.  Nearly 70,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended the Convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States. 

Mallory White of Union County completed her year of service as the National FFA Eastern Region Vice President.  White traveled over 100,000 miles during the past year representing the over 800,000 members of the National FFA Organization.  She presented her retiring address “The Forgotten Farmers” during the fourth general session of the Convention on October 28. 

Haylea Brock of North Laure was the National High Individual in the Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event (CDE).  The team from North Laurel placed second in the CDE.  Team members in addition to Brock were Peyton Roundtree, Abigail Davidson, and Maggie Hayre.  The team was coached by advisor Dustin Estridge. 

Spencer County FFA placed second in the Floriculture Career Development Event.  Members of the team were Aaron Alcorn, Jackson Tobbe, Katelyn Tabor, and Thomas Fox.  Thomas Fox was the 9^th high individual and Katelyn Tabor was the 3^rd high individual.  The coach was Daniel Dunaway. 

McCreary Central FFA placed third in the Forestry Career Development Event.  Team members were Koltin Shelton, Abagial Sumner, Jonathan Starrett, and Conner Swartz.  Jonathan Starrett was the 10^th high individual and Koltin Shelton was the 6^th high individual.  The coach was Cameron Lee. 

Spencer County FFA placed fourth in the Nursery Career Development Event.  Team members were John Humes, Lauren Seebold, Addison Lawson, and Jackson Combs.  The coach was Daniel Dunaway.    

Cumberland County FFA placed sixth in the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event.  Team members were Matthew Spears, Sidney Acree, Autumn Sells, and Cannon Staley.  Matthew Spears was the 5^th high individual in the nation.  The coach was Lannie Willen. 

Cumberland County FFA placed eighth in the Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event.  Team members were Jackson McClain, James Riley, Lance Willen, and Gauge Key.  The team placed second in the team event component of the CDE.  The coach was Lannie Willen. 

Rockcastle County FFA placed ninth in the Agronomy Career Development Event.  Team members were Paige Cash, Dylon Thompson, Kyndall McNew, and Callie Benge.  The coach was Matthew Whitaker. 

LaRue County placed 10^th in the nation in the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event.  Team members were Ella Thomas, Ellah Pruitt, Donna Thompson, and Camryn Heuser.  The team also had the highest score on the communications presentation.  The coach was Misty Bivens. 

LaRue County also placed 10^th in the nation in the Poultry Career Development Event.  Team members were Madison Chaudoin, Jose Villanos, Lily Norman, and Seth Redmon. 

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

Jeffrey Sprowles- Taylor County- Diversified Crop Entrepreneurship

Logan Hollen- Grant County- Goat Production

Caleb Coots from Trigg County and Corey Hedge from West Carter represented Kentucky in the National FFA Talent Event.  Both Coots and Hedge made it to the top 15 in the nation and had the chance to perform on the main Convention stage.  Corey Hedge was selected as one of the top three performers in the nation. 

Bethany Fields of Western Hills represented Kentucky as a National FFA Officer Candidate.

Seven Kentucky FFA members placed in the top ten in the nation in the National FFA Agriscience Fair. 

Russell Lux and Macy Thornsberry of Nelson County placed 10^th in the nation in Animal Science Division 4. 

Anna Reffit and Jacy Elkins of Montgomery County placed 9^th in Plant Systems Division 6.

Clay Zumwalt of Harrison County Middle School placed 9^th in Social Systems Division 1.

Connor Ball and Meghan Planck of Nicholas County placed 10^th in Social Systems Division 6. 

The teams/individuals below competed in National Career Development and Leadership Development Events:

The American FFA Degree was awarded to 109 Kentucky FFA members.  This honor is the highest award the organization can bestow on a member. 

Thirteen Kentucky FFA chapters were recognized in the National Chapter Contest.  Carlisle County, Harrison County, Madisonville North, Nelson County Schools, Nicholas County, Rockcastle County, Seneca, Spencer County, Taylor County, and Williamstown Independent were named National Three Star Chapters.  Caldwell County, LaRue County, and Madison Southern were recognized as National Two Star Chapters. 

Brayden Hall of John Hardin represented Kentucky in the National FFA Chorus. 

For a complete listing of National Convention winners, visit https://www.ffa.org/95th-convention-event-results/

For more Information Contact:

Matt Chaliff, Executive Secretary

matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov

502-564-3472