Students in agriculture classes are required to complete a supervised agricultural experience program. An SAE is where students learn to apply the concepts and principles taught in their agriculture classes to real-world problems and scenarios. A proficiency award is based off a student’s SAE and requires extra effort on the students part. Proficiency awards help students set goals, maintain financial records, and learn other practical skills. This year I had the honor of working with 9 individuals to complete 11 proficiency awards.
Danielle Cadigan
Agricultural Sales-Placement 1st in the region
Danielle works for Mayor Andy Barker at his hardware store in Love Valley. She assists in stocking shelves, checking inventory, helping customers, operating a cash register, and other duties associate with an agribusiness.
Hannah Elmore
Agricultural Education-placement 1st in the region
Hannah was a teacher cadet this year and worked with Mr. York and myself to further her knowledge of what it takes to be an agriculture teacher. She conducted lessons, graded papers, learned how to cater your teaching to individual learning styles, made copies, and began to develop her teaching philosophy.
Danielle Cadigan
Agricultural Communications-placement 1st in the region
Danielle served as our chapter reporter this year. As part of her officer duties she published a newsletter 4 times this year. Her newsletter contained information regarding Career Development Events, proficiency awards, FFA activities, and other important information. The newsletters were distributed to all FFA members and school personnel.
Mitchell Beckham
Forage Production Placement- 1st in the region
Mitchell works for an area farmer assisting in the harvesting of hay for his cattle herd. Mitchell operates a disc mower, rake, tedder, and baler to accomplish this task. Mitchell can safely operate all farm equipment which will help him as he pursues his goal of having a farm.
Jacob Souther
Poultry Production Placement- 1st in the region
Jacob works on his grandmother’s poultry farm. His duties require him to pick up eggs, maintain the facilities, and maintain positive relations with the company they grow for. Jacob is actively involved in the day to day operations of the poultry farm and has learned many valuable skills that will assist him greatly as he begins his own poultry operation.
Hannah Elmore
Dairy Production Placement- 2nd in the region
Hannah works for Dusty Road Jerseys as a farmhand. Her primary responsibilities are feeding bottle calves and milking, but she assists in many aspects of the dairy operation. Hannah has learned the many different sides of a modern dairy operation, including animal health, business, marketing, and management.
Alexa Mcauley
Dairy Production Entrepreneurship-2nd in the region
Alexa owns 3 Guernsey cattle, a heifer, a bull, and a cow. She actively shows these animals at the Iredell County fair. Alexa has learned what it takes to own and operate an enterprise through maintaining financial records, animal health, and an excellent reputation.
Jacob Gantt
Specialty Animal Production Entrepreneurship-2nd in the region
Jacob owns and manages a small boer goat herd. He assumed all financial risk associated with this venture and has learned what is necessary to operate a successful meat goat operation. Jacob has immaculate records and with his determination will certainly succeed.
Kristin Josey
Small Animal Production placement- 2nd in the region
Kristin and her family raise rabbits for retail purposes. Her family began their operation with a male and female and with proper management now has many baby rabbits. Kristin cares for the rabbits by feeding, watering, and maintaining their health.
Zack Wallace
Agricultural Services entrepreneurship- 1st place region, top three in state
Zack has a supreme interest in equine and their hoof care. He has gleaned knowledge from an experience farrier and is continuing to hone his skills. He currently shoes all his animals and is expanding his enterprise to include clients.
Nicolas Marlowe
Beef Production placement- 2nd place region
Nicolas works for his family on their cow calf operation. He assists in harvesting the hay needed for the animals, maintaining healthy animals, and raising calves that are abandoned by their mothers. Nicolas is learning many helpful skills which will assist him as he pursues his goal of returning to the family farm.