Kentucky Ag News
Kentucky FFA members excel at national convention
Special to Kentucky Agricultural News
LOUISVILLE - Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 88th Annual National FFA Convention Oct. 28-31 in Louisville. An all-time record 65,173 FFA members from across the United States attended the convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States.
Ruth Ann Myers of the Boyle County chapter helped lead the convention as the Eastern Region vice president. During her year of service, Myers traveled more than 100,000 miles and spoke to thousands of FFA members about leadership, personal growth, and careers in the agriculture industry. Myers capped off the year with a retiring address titled “The Best Day Ever.”
Spencer County FFA won the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event. Members of the Dairy Cattle Evaluation team included Marissa Allen, Ryan Linton, Tanner Goodlett, and Jacob Whitely. Tanner Goodlett placed fourth overall, Ryan Linton placed fifth overall, Marissa Allen placed sixth overall, and Jacob Whitely placed seventh overall. FFA Advisor Bland Baird served as coach of the Dairy Evaluation team. This is the sixth time since 2006 that Spencer County has won the national Dairy Evaluation CDE.
Kentucky had two National Proficiency Winners at the convention. Austin Wilson of Whitley County was named the winner in the Forest Products and Management Proficiency Contest. Wilson has worked with his father in a lumber operation and has purchased a one-third interest in the business. Wilson is the son of Joe and Sonja Wilson. His advisors are Glen Croley and Brian Prewitt.
Caleb Brannon of Calloway County was named the National Winner in the Agriscience Research Integrated Systems Proficiency Contest. Brannon was recognized for his research related to agriculture energy and renewable fuels. His work has included research with switchgrass, energy beets, and solar power among other topics. Brannon is the son of Tony and Lisa Brannon. His advisors are Jacob Falwell and Bill Sampson.
Four other Kentucky FFA members were named national finalists in their respective proficiency award areas:
- Caleb Fulkerson, Spencer County - Diversified Horticulture
- Adam Light, Spencer County - Fruit Production
- Mason Arnold, Taylor County - Sheep Production
- Nick Hope, Muhlenberg County - Wildlife Management
Zack Plummer of Fleming County FFA placed second in the Power, Structural, and Technical Systems division of the National Agriscience Fair. In addition to Plummer, eight Kentucky FFA members placed in the top fifteen nationally in the Agriscience Fair.
Nelson County FFA and Spencer County FFA were recognized as two of ten national finalists for the National Model of Innovation Award in Chapter Development.
For a complete listing of national convention winners, visit https://www.ffa.org/events/conventionandexpo/highlights.
