Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 89th Annual National FFA Convention, which was held October 19-22 in Indianapolis.  Over 64,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended the Convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States.

Spencer County FFA won the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event.  Members of the Dairy Cattle Evaluation team included Michael Bentley, Maxwell Dippel, John Brumley, and David Williamson.  David Williamson placed second overall, Michael Bentley placed fourth overall, John Brumley placed sixth overall, and Maxwell Dippel placed seventh overall.  FFA Advisor Bland Baird served as coach of the Dairy Evaluation team.  This is the seventh time since 2006 that Spencer County has won the national Dairy Evaluation CDE.

Terry Napier of Madison Southern FFA was selected as one of four national finalists for the American Star in Agribusiness award based on his American Degree application.  Napier’s selection was based on his development of a successful lawn care business during his time in FFA.  The Star awards are the highest awards given by the organization and Napier was selected from over 3000 applicants across the nation.

Taylor County FFA was selected as one of ten national finalists for the Model of Excellence Award- placing them among the top ten chapters in the nation.  The award is based on the chapters work in the areas of Student Development, Chapter Development, and Community Development.

Boyle County FFA was selected as one of ten national finalists for the Model of Innovation Award in the area of Community Development- placing them among the top ten chapters in the nation in the area of Community Development.

Six Kentucky FFA members were selected as national proficiency award finalists in their respective areas.  They were:

• Morgan Jones, Madison Central, Equine Entrepreneurship
• Turner Cottrell, LaRue County- Fiber and Oil Crop Production
• Emily Herndon, Spencer County- Food Science and Technology
• Wyatt Wood, McCracken County- Forage Production
• John Brumley, Spencer County- Landscape Management
• Ethan Ellis, Boyle County- Swine Production Entrepreneurship

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.

Several Kentucky chapters placed in the top ten in national Career Development Events:

Spencer County FFA placed third in the Farm Business Management Career Development Event.  Team members were Cameron Beck, Makenna Cox, Connor Foster, and Briar Honeycutt.  All four team members received a national gold emblem rating.

Central Hardin FFA placed third in the Agricultural Issues Forum Career Development Event.  Team members were Mattie Mink, Mason Goodin, Keri Hodges, George Board, Callie Condiff, and Shelby Sanford.

North Laurel FFA placed seventh in the Environmental Science Career Development Event.  Team members were Travis Lewis, Emily Hayre, Kelly Fields, and Thomas Callahan.

Boyle County FFA placed ninth in the Agronomy Career Development Event.  Team members were Alexis Sosh, Makayla Richter, Sarah Ann Randall, and Adriana Crockett.

Other teams/individuals competing in National Career Development Events included:

Fifteen Kentucky FFA members placed in the top fifteen in the FFA Agriscience Fair.  They were:

• Environmental Science Division 2- Rebekah Cowherd- Taylor County
• Food Products Division 4- Kaitlin Chandler and Emily Wilson- South Warren
• Plant Systems Division 1- Seyan Perry- Franklin Simpson
• Plant Systems Division 2- Dalton England and Justin Page- Franklin Simpson
• Plant Systems Division 4-Sarah Ann Randall and Makayla Richter- Boyle County
• Power Structure and Technical Systems Division 1- Ben James- Franklin Simpson
• Power Structure and Technical Systems Division 4- Justin Arnett and Caleb Fitzpatrick- Montgomery County
• Social Systems Division 1- Jenna Robertson- Franklin Simpson
• Social Systems Division 2- Grace Clark- Franklin Simpson
• Social Systems Division 3- Zoe Cannon and Amber Dotson- Montgomery County

The American FFA Degree was awarded to 116 Kentucky FFA members.  This honor is the highest award the organization can bestow on a member.

James Kash of the Lee County FFA represented Kentucky as a National Officer Candidate.

Fifteen Kentucky FFA chapters were recognized in the National Chapter Contest.  Bourbon County, Boyle County, Henderson County, Henry County, LaRue County, Marion County, Nelson County, Scott County, Spencer County, and Taylor County were recognized as National Three Star Chapters.  Jessamine County, Rockcastle County, Russell County, South Warren, and Thomas Nelson were recognized as National Two Star Chapters.

• Wyatt Wood of McCracken County and Jerrett Davis of Ohio County represented Kentucky in the National FFA Talent.
• Ty Allen of Madison Southern, Madeline Smith of Western Hills, and Parker Stewart of Bracken County represented Kentucky in the National FFA Band.
• Amber Ridgeway of South Warren FFA represented Kentucky in the National FFA Chorus.

The North Hardin FFA and Thomas Nelson FFA chapters represented Kentucky in the National Hall of States.

For a complete listing of National Convention winners, visit https://www.ffa.org/events/convention/2016-results

For more Information Contact:

Matt Chaliff, Executive Secretary

matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov

502-564-3472