Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Mallory White

Mallory White of the Union County FFA Chapter in Kentucky works in forage production on her family farm. Forages grown on the operation include cereal rye, fescue, orchardgrass, red clover and ladino clover. It is primarily used for feed for the cow-calf beef cattle aspect of the farm. Her responsibilities include performing all production activities, such as cutting, raking, tedding, baling and moving bales, performing maintenance on production equipment and even making decisions about when to perform production activities. White is supported by her parents, Brooke and Ryan, and her FFA advisers, Kelsie Bewley, Emilee Graves and Jeremy Hill. Claas of America sponsors this proficiency.

Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Cason Love

Cason Love of the Stephenville FFA Chapter in Texas works for a custom hay baling company. The operation involves providing the agricultural services of cutting, baling and hauling hay for customers. In all, the operation performs custom hay on roughly 1,200 acres. His duties include hauling equipment, cutting hay and running the tractor with the baler. The operation consists primarily of baling 1,000- to 1,200-pound round bales of coastal bermudagrass hay. Love is supported by his parents, Jennifer and Robert, and his FFA advisers, Ryan Best, Savannah Bowers, Brock Burch and Jordan Smith. The National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization sponsor this proficiency.

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems

Cayden Hall Mathews

Cayden Hall Mathews of the Lowndes High FFA Chapter in Georgia conducted his project over three years; the project consisted of three experiments. He solved an agricultural problem using the scientific method by demonstrating that Cool Terra, a biochar-based soil amendment, can increase soil microbe activity, crop yields and plant production. Mathews hopes that this work will help him pursue his desired career as a doctor of veterinary medicine. He is supported by his parents, Debbie and Chris, and his FFA advisers, James Corbett, Quinton Hadsock and Anglia Crosby. The National FFA Foundation and the National FFA Organization sponsor this proficiency.  

—From a National FFA news release