INDIANAPOLIS — Once more Indianapolis was filled with blue-jacketed youth during the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo held Oct. 25-29. 

The event is filled with elections and award ceremonies. The highlight is the election of the 2022‐23 National FFA Officer team. Students from Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia were elected by National FFA Delegates. They will lead the organization for the next year.  

These members were selected from 35 candidates vying for the honor. Candidates take part in an extensive interview process with the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee leading up to the selection.  

Andrew Seibel of Virginia was elected national president. He is a former member of the Lord Botetourt FFA Chapter. Jessica Herr of Pennsylvania was elected national secretary. She is a former member of the Garden Spot FFA Chapter. Ryan Williamson of Texas was elected western region vice president. He is a former member of the El Campo FFA Chapter. MacKenna Clifton of North Carolina was elected southern region vice president. She is a former member of the West Rowan FFA Chapter. Karstyn Cantrell of Oklahoma was elected central region vice president. She is a former member of the Skiatook FFA Chapter. Gracie Murphy of Illinois was elected eastern region vice president. She is a former member of the Macomb FFA Chapter.

Throughout their year of service to the National FFA Organization, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders; thousands of FFA members and teachers; corporate sponsors; government and education officials; state FFA leaders; the general public; and more. The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and the next generation of leaders.

Below is a roundup of some of the awards given out during the event. 

2022 National FFA Agriscience Fair winners 

The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food and natural resources. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Students compete in one of six categories in the agriscience fair and under one of the six divisions—either individually or in a team. 

Social Science: Division 1 :Lauren Crosthwait of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma

Social Science: Division 2: Ynez Gaborno and Nicholas Hishimura of the Waipahu Intermediate Middle FFA Chapter in Hawaii

Social Science: Division 3: Olivia Shike of Unity FFA Chapter in Illinois

Social Science: Division 4: Katie Spivery and Fraser Faith Knapek of the Perry FFA Chapter in Georgia

Social Science: Division 5 :Bryson Boone of the Page FFA Chapter in Tennessee 

Social Science: Division 6: Emily Merideth and Emma Nelson of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 1: Esther VanOverbeke of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 2: Brody Fisher and Brynlee Cody of the Florence FFA Chapter in Texas

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 3: William Lima Joy of the St. Helena FFA Chapter in California

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 4: Trinity Blocsh and Aubrie McEndoo of the Stillwater FFA Chapter in Oklahoma

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 5: Libby Knipper of the Beckman Catholic FFA Chapter in Iowa

Food Products and Processing Systems: Division 6: Chloe Pulliam and Carah Pulliam of the Franklin County FFA Chapter in Georgia

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 1: Cyler Robinson of the Fort White Middles FFA Chapter of Florida

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 2: Evan McKinney and Marshall Bussey of the Fort White Middle FFA Chapter of Florida

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 3: Kaylee McAlister of the Stillwater FFA Chapter of Oklahoma

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 4: Londyn Carroll and Jaci Darr of Eastland FFA Chapter of Eastland FFA Chapter of Texas

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 5: Colin Manfredo of the Sanger FFA Chapter in California

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 6: Rianna Quinn Mueller and Jacob Lansing of Blanchester Great Oaks FFA in Ohio

2022 Agricultural Proficiency Awards 

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. 

Agriscience Research – Animal Systems

Raigan McKee of the Oologah FFA Chapter in Oklahoma has spent three years researching the use of specific treatments to improve biosecurity measures taken by livestock producers. She began her research after visiting a commercial hog operation and became interested in the measures taken to keep the facility free from infectious diseases. She compared a commercial grade disinfectant against regular soap and water to determine if there was a significant impact on the bacteria collected from samples. McKee is supported by her parents, Amy and Clint.

Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems 

Garren Thomas Hamby of the Eagleville FFA Chapter in Tennessee conducts research that is tied to his other enterprises, including a livestock operation called Hoofstock Ventures and a strategy/marketing consultancy called agEXCEDE. With the former, he focused on analyzing advanced reproductive technologies. For the latter, his research involved conducting primary and secondary market analysis for resell. Hamby is supported by his parents, Patricia and Jaye.

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems

Brennan Elszy of the Hanford FFA Chapter in California has conducted two research projects in plant and soil sciences. His first project tested the effectiveness of Chloropicrin soil fumigation on managing nematode populations in orchard soils that were previously planted with an orchard crop. His second effort focused on growth patterns in pruning species trees that were planted in fumigated soils to determine which fumigant more effectively mitigated prunes replant syndrome caused by nematode populations present in the soil. Elszy is supported by his parents, Kristi and William.

Beef Production – Entrepreneurship

Luke Gallagher of the Altus FFA Chapter in Oklahoma began his supervised agricultural experience by purchasing 15 cows and two bulls, raising the calves and selling them. He applied to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Beginning Farmer Program in 2021, helping him purchase 320 acres and 361 backgrounded stocker-steers. Knowing that he bears for the financial responsibility for this operation has elevated his interest in market forces, costs, expenses and management practices. Gallagher is supported by his parents, Tatum and Ryan.

Beef Production – Placement

Lizzie Catherine Schafer of the Taylorville FFA Chapter in Illinois works for her family farm, producing 120 head of Angus cattle and focusing on performance tested bulls, breeding females, show heifers, and profitable feedlot cattle. This experience has given her the opportunity to work with other cattle producers from across the nation and gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies in bovine reproduction. Schafer is supported by her parents, Suzanne and Aaron.

Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship

Carrie Rhoades of the Ansonia FFA Chapter in Ohio is a seventh-generation dairy farmer, raising her own herds of dairy replacement heifers, milking cows and dairy show cattle. She has a labor exchange agreement with her father to pay for the feed, rent and other necessities for her projects. Her responsibilities include feeding the heifers, giving the calves milk, providing grain and water, bedding pens and hutches, dehorning newborn calves, and tagging and tattooing heifers. Rhoades is supported by her parents, Leslie and Douglas.

Dairy Production – Placement 

Anthony Agueda of the Hughson FFA Chapter in California grew up on a third-generation dairy farm. His involvement with the operation began the summer before his freshman year. On 600 acres and with a milking herd of 2,200 cows, his responsibilities have steadily grown over the year. Agueda works to maintain animal facilities, analyze feed rations and nutritional intake, and oversee milking. Agueda is supported by his parents, Diane and Tony.

Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Justin Duenke of the Audrain County R-VI FFA Chapter in Missouri has a supervised agricultural experience in multiple areas including beef, grain, oil crops and forage production. His placement is on a third-generation family farm consisting of row crops, Haflinger draft horses, a commercial cow-calf operation, and backgrounding feeder cattle. Duenke performs various duties related to all aspects of the farm, from cattle and corn to horses and hay. Duenke is supported by his parents, Vicki and Mike.

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship

Ty Steffen of the Newark FFA Chapter in Illinois grows onions, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, eggplant, tomatoes, cauliflower, beets, spinach and more as part of his diversified crop production. As the sole operator, he takes charge of fertilizing, weeding, tilling, harvesting and selling crops at several farmers markets. He also sells at craft shows and an honor hay rack in his community. Steffen is supported by his parents, Tracy and Joe. 

Diversified Crop Production – Placement

Logan Jack Bennett of the Colquitt County FFA Chapter in Georgia works 2,500 acres of farmland, growing cotton, peanuts, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, cabbage, broccoli and more. He also helps manage 10 acres of greenhouses. When he began, his tasks included simple maintenance on machinery, sanitizing the packing shed, and operating tractors. As his experiences grew, so did his responsibilities. Bennett is supported by his parents, Jennifer and Brett.Diversified 

Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Trenton Jones of the Higginsville FFA Chapter in Missouri works at The Greenhouse at C&M Farms and also owns his own houseplant store, Trent’s Tropicals. He provides high-quality indoor and outdoor plants at affordable prices while helping to raise agriculture awareness. He started his endeavors by selling plants through Facebook. He’s since learned much more about the business, taking charge of all tasks including watering and fertilizing, pest prevention, propagation, creating designs using plants in landscapes and containers, and more. Jones is supported by his father, Chris.

Diversified Livestock Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Connor Pence of the Veribest FFA Chapter in Texas owns and operates a breeding goat herd and commercial cattle herd in addition to raising market goats, market lambs, and market swine. When he was just three years old, his grandparents started him out with five does. His desire to produce higher quality goats led to his acquisition of better genetics in his goat projects. Today, his breeding goat project consists of 40 head of does and their offspring. Pence is supported by his parents, Denise and Cory.

Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Lauren Marie Poole of the Winfield FFA Chapter of Louisiana has served as a Youth Conservation Corps member at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in her area. She worked with various employees during her time at the USFS, including wildlife biologists, to help manage red-cockaded woodpecker preservation. She also worked with groundskeepers and landscapers to help maintain portions of Kisatchie National Forests, campgrounds, boat launches and office areas. Poole is supported by her parents, Barbara and Glen.

Equine Science – Entrepreneurship

Wyatt Allen of the Benjamin Russell FFA Chapter in Alabama is part-owner of 5A Ranch. He raises horses to participate in team roping throughout the country, currently managing 14 head of horses. He purchases horses at an early age, ensuring they are from a good bloodline. He spends four to five hours each day riding and training the horses, providing quality healthcare, and providing a specialized diet that allows the horses to compete at high levels. Allen is supported by his father, Ed.

Equine Science – Placement

Ellie Jane Williams of the Northwest Whitfield FFA Chapter in Georgia works for a 53-acre, 12 stall operation, providing hunter-jumper boarding, lessons, and sales with more than 40 horses on property. The operation specializes in breeding, training horses and riders to be competitive in jumping, movie industry involvements, and treatments. Williams assists with scheduling lessons, vet appointments, breeding, sales appointments, and help set the farm’s show schedules. Williams is supported by her parents, Tatum and Graham.

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Thomas Rindfuss of the Wynford FFA Chapter in Ohio works for his family’s farm, producing 620 acres of soybeans from early spring tillage through fall harvest. Throughout the year, he performs multiples tasks, from welding to driving tractors to installing waterways. He also helps with marketing the crop, choosing varieties and grain storage. Rindfuss is supported by his parents, Shelley and Mike.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement

Jay McClure of the Hugoton FFA Chapter in Kansas works for the family farm, producing $1.2 million of forage crops in seven irrigated cycles in 2021. He is tasked with maintaining and repairing all haying equipment and supervising two employees who help with harvesting. He’s also charged with irrigation timing and watering amounts, each set with the goal of producing 7 1/2 tons of forage per acre over the five cuttings of the season. McClure is supported by his parents, Karen and Joel.

2022 Premier Chapter

Lumberton FFA of North Carolina was  named the 2022 Premier Chapter: Building Communities.

Lumberton FFA of North Carolina used proceeds from a bake sale to make a positive difference for local foster families. Members organized two bake sales in the community and raised more than $3,000. The chapter used those funds to buy 16 bikes along with helmets and accessories, and donated them to foster families in the area with the help of the state Department of Social Services.

The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.

Alumni Awards

At the National FFA Foundation’s Celebration Dinner, three individuals were presented with Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Achievement Awards. Each recipient is awarded $500 to donate to the FFA alumni chapter or state FFA alumni association of their choice.  

Glenn Howell of the West Carteret FFA Alumni and Supporters in North Carolina received the award for his dedication to the organization. Howell was the 2020-21 president of the North Carolina FFA Alumni Association. During his term, the value of grants awarded to FFA chapters by the alumni association doubled. Howell also served on the North Carolina FFA Board of Directors, helping to further agricultural education in the state. In the past, he was a North Carolina FFA state officer and North Carolina FFA camp director, and he taught agriculture for more than 30 years.

As an alumni member of the Granton FFA Alumni and Supporters in Wisconsin, Charlotte Johnson has been instrumental in the recruitment of new alumni and the continued engagement of existing members. Johnson has been an officer in the alumni chapter for the last six years, including serving as president. As an alumni member, she has participated in numerous community service events such as helping deliver meals to low-income families during the holidays. Johnson continues to be an exceptional mentor, volunteer and advocate for Granton FFA. 

Clyde Johnson, a member of the West Bend Hawkeye FFA Alumni and Supporters in Iowa, has made a positive impact serving as chairperson of the Iowa FFA Alumni and Supporters membership committee. As an advocate, he has also served on the Iowa Governor’s Council on Agriculture Education, which provided ideas, suggestions and community feedback from across the state to the governor and legislature.

The Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter Award went to Bell FFA Alumni and Supporters in Florida. The chapter was recognized for excellence in business operations, alumni and supporter member development, advocacy, student development, agricultural education and FFA program development. Among their achievements, Bell FFA Alumni and Supporters created a mentorship program to teach and train prospective leaders for the chapter. The scholarship committee raised money to support five scholarships for graduating FFA members and five lifelong learning scholarships. The chapter was also able to help fund the need for a new animal science teaching laboratory, raising a total of $23,300 for the program.

The Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association Award recognizes states for their work in growing quality programs. This award is judged on a state’s efforts in local FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter development and retention, FFA Alumni and Supporters member benefits, advocacy, Team Ag Ed and business operations. 

Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters received this year’s Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association Award for their dedication to FFA and agricultural education. At the 2022 Wisconsin FFA Alumni and Supporters Convention, where more than 250 members attended to help celebrate 50 years of alumni membership, they held nine innovative breakout sessions to assist individual members in personal and professional growth. The association gave a total of 24 grants totaling $14,400 to send FFA student members to the National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference. 

The Outstanding Corporate FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter Award was presented to BASF FFA Alumni and Supporters. Based in the Southern region, the chapter has created a platform to communicate and share with its more than 60% of membership located remotely. Planning by the leadership team includes establishing dates, identifying members to highlight and key focus for quarterly meetings. BASF helped source $28,000 for chapter grants and supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs in Idaho and California. The chapter has also interacted with 18 states to help support and promote state FFA officer training.