Convention Audio

Hannah  Miller has an award-winning operation that is comprised of swine breeding and showpig sales. Miller’s herd went from 18 pigs in 2021 to 60 in 2023. In just three years, Miller also increased her breeding swine’s conception rate from 66% to 100%. Miller is a member of the Prairie Central FFA Chapter in Illinois and her FFA advisors are Becky Freed, Kylie Miller, Kyle Miller and Tyson Stork. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Max Landon’s Supervised Agricultural Experience is working at his family's apiary business. Landon has learned how to perform a full range of beekeeping production from selecting breeder queens for their genetic qualities to independently managing a beehive.  Landon is a member of the Durham FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Makenna Luce, Wes Bill and Chloe Bristow. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Presley Merritt runs an operation that breeds and competitively shows velveteen lop rabbits. She handles the breeding, birthing, care, and marketing of her rabbits, and she conducts rabbit care workshops and mentors local youth. Merritt is a member of the Anna FFA Chapter in Texas, and her FFA advisors are Kaitlin Tyler, Joe Molina, and Ashley Sturdivant. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Kaylee Dunn works on her family’s sheep operation. Dunn has learned how to keep and cull ewes and how to pair sheep for breeding and shows. Dunn’s knowledge has also expanded to include the rise and fall of market prices within the industry, the best time to sell ewes, and how to market a wether sheep to fit customers’ needs. Dunn is a member of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas, and her FFA advisors are Jeff Klose and Jennifer Barton. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Nathan Hutchison has a five-year-old poultry production with broilers, turkeys, hens and chicks. Hutchison sells packaged poultry products and eggs to restaurants, local community members, and customers across the state. Hutchison has earned a California egg handlers license, a California business license and USDA processing exemption. Hutchison is a member of the Madera-Liberty FFA Chapter in California  and his FFA advisors are Jewlia Winter, Katie Mellott, Keenan Quintana and Madison Galvez. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Addyson Schneberger has a goat operation that consists of a breeding herd of donor females, 37 Spanish recipient does, and 16 fall-born babies. In her enterprise, Schneberger uses advanced reproductive practices and has increased revenue through online marketing. She is a member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Oklahoma, and her advisor is Chris Klaassen. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Alyx Johnson studies a variety of conditions, and possible treatments and prevention methods to improve swine health. By doing research in areas that affect herd health, Johnson has built a knowledge base she can use to guide future health-related decisions within her own herd. Johnson is a member of the Woodland FFA Chapter in Alabama and her FFA advisor is Brad Johnson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Lucy Barney is a fifth-generation horse breeder who is employed by two separate draft horse operations. Barney’s responsibilities include feeding, regular strength training, grooming, horse selection, and marketing. Additionally, Barney trains horses for and competes in draft horse shows. Barney is a member of the Rigby FFA Chapter in Idaho and her  FFA advisors are Lex Godfrey, Robert Hale, Casey Sanders and Courtney Knickrehm. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).

Connor Paulk established his business, Paulk’s Produce, in 2020. Paulk offers customers processing and packaging of southern peas, butterbeans, tomatoes, and green beans. To successfully grow his company, Paulk created and implemented a marketing plan, utilized a recordkeeping system to project needs, purchased equipment to increase production, and hired and trained employees. Paulk is a member of the Irwin County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors are Chris Paulk, Wesley Paulk and Shayla Johnson. Listen to the audio from the interview (Download).