NDIANAPOLIS — Winners of the 2019 National Agricultural Proficiency Awards were announced on Friday, Nov. 1 during the fifth general session at the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Awards were given in 47 categories. Ohio had the following winners.
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Placement
Andy Holscher – Ohio
Andy Holscher of the Upper Valley Career Center FFA Chapter in Ohio works at his family’s business, servicing and repairing lawnmowers and yard equipment. He started helping around the shop by doing simple jobs, like testing equipment for quality. However, his duties grew, and now he can be found working on a large John Deere riding lawnmower, using a small leaf blower, assisting customers or anything in between. Holscher is supported by his parents, Teresa and Marvin, and his FFA advisors, Michelle Brunson, Daniel Schmiesing, Deborah Stanfield, James Metz, Michaella Quinter and John Kreitze. Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.
Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship
Rachel Sherman – Ohio
Rachel Sherman of the Big Walnut-DACC FFA Chapter in Ohio began her herd with a gift of one heifer from her parents. That one heifer grew to nine lactating cows and four heifers. She has grown her herd to be representative of all six main breeds of dairy cattle and has focused on strengthening her enterprise through the use of good management practices and continued use of genetic selection. Sherman is supported by her parents, Rose and Ken, and her FFA advisor, Jeffrey Stimmell. Sponsored by New Holland.
Dairy Production – Placement
Joanna Frankenberg – Ohio
Joanna Frankenberg of the New Bremen FFA Chapter in Ohio works on her family’s dairy farm, assisting in the management of a 120 Holstein cow herd and an additional 120 heifers. They also farm 480 acres of land, cultivating corn, grass hay, soybeans and wheat – all of which goes directly into feeding and caring for the herd. Frankenberg started helping on the farm at the age of five. She’s learned much about emerging technology related to the farm, including robotic management, no-till and more. She is supported by her parents, Kathryn and Steven, and her FFA advisor, Maria Homan. Sponsored by Kuhn North America.
Diversified Agricultural Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jacob Wuebker – Ohio
Jacob Wuebker of the Versailles FFA Chapter in Ohio is the fourth generation to work on his family farm. The operation produces 1,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa hay in addition to raising 2,000 sows from farrow to wean and 200 dairy steers on a feedlot. His tasks vary, ranging from feeding and breeding sows to servicing equipment and spreading and applying manure. Wuebker is supported by his parents, Dena and Jeff, and his FFA advisors, Dena Wuebker and Taylor Bergman.Sponsored by Firestone Ag and Ram Trucks.
Diversified Crop Production – Placement
Justin Scott – Ohio
Justin Scott of the Indian Valley FFA Chapter in Ohio works on his cousin’s 1,200-acre farm. The operation is a 50-50 rotation between yellow dent corn and soybeans. His cousin has slowly empowered him to take on more responsibilities, beginning with cleaning equipment and operating tillage implements and working to maintaining and repairing equipment, transporting grain and making management decisions. Scott is supported by his parents, Sommer and Tim, and his FFA advisor, David Stiles. Sponsored by Agrelient.
Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Austin Dotterer – Ohio
Austin Dotterer of the Smithville FFA Chapter in Ohio began his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) because he wanted to help his aunt and uncle who own a blackberry farm of about 2,400 plants. When he began, his only responsibilities were picking, cutting out old growth and lateral training. He has since learned most aspects of raising the fruit, including wedding, equipment care and primocane training. Dotterer is supported by his parents, Amy and Steve, and his FFA advisor, Stephen Heppe.Sponsored by National FFA Foundation & National FFA Organization.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S.
— National FFA Organization
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