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.