Winners of the 2014 National Agricultural Proficiency Awards were announced on Friday during the sixth general session at the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo. Awards were given in 49 categories. Among the Indiana winners were:
Agriscience Research—Plant Systems Jordan Cadle—Indiana
Jordan Cadle of the Paoli FFA Chapter in Indiana began conducting scientific research in the sixth grade as an extra credit assignment. He studied nitrogen application rates on corn seedling growth. Eventually these research interests led him to look at other agricultural production practices such as no-tillage and foliar fertilizing. Jordan is supported by parents Kathryn and Danny Cadle and FFA advisors Kerry Wyatt and Cory Scott. This award is sponsored by FMC Corporation – Agricultural Products and Monsanto.
Forage Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Ethan Scott Edward McNeely—Indiana
Ethan Scott Edward McNeely of the Scottsburg FFA Chapter in Indiana has been involved in his family’s forage production operation since he was a child. On the 800-acre farm, McNeely assists in grain production, managing the sheep and beef cattle herds, and working in the hayfields where he cuts, rakes, led, bale, and throws hay. Additionally, McNeely has rented land from a neighbor where he has complete autonomy to make decisions concerning planting, harvesting and management of hay acreage. He is supported by parents John McNeely and Peggy Bridge and FFA advisor Sadie Davis. This award is sponsored by Claas of America, Inc.
Specialty Animal Production—Entrepreneurship/Placement
Kaitlynn Buys-McFarland—Indiana
Kaitlynn Buys-McFarland of the Madison FFA Chapter in Indiana has always had a fascination with the bright, flashy colors of the fish that her family kept. This inspired her interest in aquaculture. When she became old enough, she took over the care and upkeep of the family fish tanks and started raising and selling young fish to 4-H members for their aquatic science projects. Eventually, Buys-McFarland entered into a partnership with a local fish store that allowed her the opportunity to take fish, breed them, and raise the resulting fry to a marketable size. Buys-McFarland could then sell them back to the fish store. She is supported by parents Steve and Amanda McFarland and FFA advisor Amanda Briggs. This award is sponsored by the National FFA Foundation.