INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 25, 2024/National FFA Organization) – Seven winners of the 2024 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the sixth session of the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo on Friday, Oct. 25, which is being held in Indianapolis.

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.

Today, seven awards were announced for seven of the 45 categories during the sixth general convention session.

The recipients are:

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Teeghan Jameson
Teeghan Jameson manages 1,100 acres of land maintained for hunting, ecology and timber production. Jameson conducted a concentrated study coordinated with a registered forester, focused on tree and wildlife identification, prescribed burning, and wildlife management, with emphasis on invasive and/or non-native species and resource management. Jameson is a member of the Stephens County FFA Chapter in Georgia and her FFA advisors are Joshua Brown, Hannah Dinkins, and Ethan Holton.

Forest Management and Products – Entrepreneurship/Placement
David  Pinnell
David  Pinnell has a business where he rakes, bales, and sells pine straw as landscaping mulch. Through this Supervised Agricultural Experience, he has not only gained skills in sustainable practices and operating equipment, but he has also learned to promote his enterprise and manage finances. Pinnell is a member of the  Henderson FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Michael Perry, Maurisio Elizondo, Travis Driver and Kathryn Prior.

Outdoor Recreation – Entrepreneurship/Placement Finalist
Matthew Anderson
Matthew Anderson began helping with waterfowl hunting trips in 2019. By 2023, his role has grown to be a guide for the trips and his responsibilities include studying migration reports and scheduling hunts, maintaining fowl calls, firearm safety, and more.  Anderson is a member of the Banks County FFA Chapter in Georgia and his FFA advisors Christopher Crump and Kipp Jackson

Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Sophie Bradshaw
Sophie Bradshaw has a Supervised Agricultural Experience working at her family’s wildlife ranch. Bradshaw has a range of jobs on the ranch that span both business management and operational tasks. During her time at the ranch, she has successfully implemented anti-poaching measures, learned about wildlife conservation, and leveraged social media to achieve customer growth.  Bradshaw is a member of the Canyon FFA Chapter in Texas and her FFA advisors are Jeff Klose and Jennifer Barton.

Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Proficiency
Jack Walters
Jack Walters designs, manufactures, and markets swine scales for his Supervised Agricultural Experience. After conquering time management challenges, developing more efficient manufacturing, receiving several certifications and gaining sales abilities, Walters’s business and his professional network have grown. Walters plans to have a career as an agriculture equipment sales representative. Walters is a member of the Brock FFA Chapter in Texas and his FFA advisors are Mark Sullivan, Laura Horner, Brock Burch and Jack Pritchard.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship Proficiency
Joseph Michael Robinson
Joseph Michael Robinson began his project by changing engine and hydraulic oils, coolant, fuel filters, air filters, cabin air filters, and greasing all machines at A and R Farms. Robinson also runs his own business, where he repairs and restores parts and agricultural machinery, sometimes reselling parts for profit. Through his Supervised Agricultural Experience, Robinson has gained knowledge in billing and finance, time management, and entrepreneurial adaptability. Robinson is a member of the Mineral Point FFA Chapter in Wisconsin and FFA advisor is Mike Robinson.

Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement Proficiency
Logan Wood
Logan Wood works as a mechanic for Sherwood Inc., a company that harvests nearly 10,000 acres of almonds and pistachios annually. Wood maintains the company’s equipment and diagnoses issues, as well as performs engine, hydraulic and electrical repairs. Wood has also shadowed his employer to learn more about the business responsibilities of billing, payroll, and customer and vendor relationships. Wood is a member of the Fresno-Central FFA Chapter in California and his FFA advisors are Taree Downs, Jessica Fahey, June Bettencourt and Chris Williams.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.