Celebration

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the selection of the top ten winners of the “What FFA Means to Me” Alumni Essay Contest. 

The top ten winners, in alphabetical order by chapter, are:

Reagan Rowe, Belleview Middle

Alexandria Crane, Brooksville

Jolene Watkins, Chiefland Middle

Austin Holcomb, Durant

Anelise Bullard, Ft. White

Rebecca Mays, Graceville

Emerson Walters, Jay

Payge Dupre, Lake Gibson

Hope Storter, Tomlin Middle

Malerie Scammey, Wedgefield Middle

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce to the results of the 2020 Florida FFA Agriscience Fair. 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. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels. 

2020 Florida FFA Agriscience Fair Results

Division 1, Individual member in grade 7 and 8

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Kaylyn Williams, Fort White Middle

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Laina Canary, Hardee Middle

2^nd Place: Chloe Davis, Belleview Middle

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Mady Tyson, Hardee Middle

2^nd Place: B.J. Johnson, Hardee Middle

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Rebecca Holcomb, Turkey Creek Middle

2^nd Place: Clarence Jett, Fort White Middle

3^rd Place: Will Cornell, Hardee Middle

Overall Division 1 Winner: Rebecca Holcomb, Turkey Creek Middle

Division 2, Team on two members in grades 7 and 8

Plant Systems  

1^st Place: Elizabeth Bagby & Madalyn Smith, Bell Middle

Social Systems 

1^st Place: Hannah Ogburn & Lindsey True, Frostproof Middle

Overall Division 2 Winner: Elizabeth Bagby & Madalyn Smith, Bell Middle

Division 3, Individual member in grade 9 and 10

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Austin Holcomb, Durant

2^nd Place: John Williamson, Okeechobee Brahman

3^rd Place Jenna Larson, Okeechobee Brahman

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Abby Holcomb, Okeechobee Brahman

2^nd Place: Nathanael Monroe, Brooksville

3^rd Place: Payton Davis, Belleview

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Megan Beck, Brooksville

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Gabryela Erickson, Brooksville

Power, Structure & Technical Systems 

1^st Place: William Miller, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Reagan Robinson, Lake Butler

Social Systems 
1^st Place: Payton Moore, West Orange

2^nd Place: Paige Jahna, Avon Park

3^rd Place: Cassidy Edwards, Frostproof

Overall Division 3 Winner: Abby Holcomb, Okeechobee Brahman

Division 4, Team on two members in grades 9 and 10

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: James Taylor & Trey Tyre, Fort White

Overall Division 4 Winner: James Taylor & Trey Tyre, Fort White

Division 5, Individual member in grade 11 and 12

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Abigail Ripplinger, Lake Butler

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Alyssa Hunt, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Adrianna Cueto, Brooksville

3^rd Place: Madison Collins, Brooksville

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Alexandria Crane, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Brach Jeppesen, Brooksville

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Noah Anuez, Fort White

2^nd Place: Maria Reyes-Leon, Windermere

3^rd Place: Mary Babione, Brooksville

Overall Division 5 Winner: Noah Anuez, Fort White

Division 6, Team on two members in grades 11 and 12

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Hendrix Paterson & Isabella Scramoncin, Windermere

2^nd Place: Tabatha Bingaman & Hailey Miller, Brooksville

Social Systems 

1^st Place: Sarah True & Leah Brown, Frostproof

Overall Division 6 Winner: Sarah True & Leah Brown, Frostproof

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce to the results of the 2020 Florida FFA Agriscience Fair. 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. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels. 

The participants placing first in their categories along with the overall division winners will be recognized during the 6^thsession of the Florida FFA Celebration. 

2020 Florida FFA Agriscience Fair Results

Division 1, Individual member in grade 7 and 8

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Kaylyn Williams, Fort White Middle

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Laina Canary, Hardee Middle

2^nd Place: Chloe Davis, Belleview Middle

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Mady Tyson, Hardee Middle

2^nd Place: B.J. Johnson, Hardee Middle

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Rebecca Holcomb, Turkey Creek Middle

2^nd Place: Clarence Jett, Fort White Middle

3^rd Place: Will Cornell, Hardee Middle

Division 2, Team on two members in grades 7 and 8

Plant Systems  

1^st Place: Elizabeth Bagby & Madalyn Smith, Bell Middle

Social Systems 

1^st Place: Hannah Ogburn & Lindsey True, Frostproof Middle

Division 3, Individual member in grade 9 and 10

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Austin Holcomb, Durant

2^nd Place: John Williamson, Okeechobee Brahman

3^rd Place Jenna Larson, Okeechobee Brahman

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Abby Holcomb, Okeechobee Brahman

2^nd Place: Nathanael Monroe, Brooksville

3^rd Place: Payton Davis, Belleview

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Megan Beck, Brooksville

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Gabryela Erickson, Brooksville

Power, Structure & Technical Systems 

1^st Place: William Miller, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Reagan Robinson, Lake Butler

Social Systems 
1^st Place: Payton Moore, West Orange

2^nd Place: Paige Jahna, Avon Park

3^rd Place: Cassidy Edwards, Frostproof

Division 4, Team on two members in grades 9 and 10

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: James Taylor & Trey Tyre, Fort White

Division 5, Individual member in grade 11 and 12

Animal Systems 

1^st Place: Abigail Ripplinger, Lake Butler

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Alyssa Hunt, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Adrianna Cueto, Brooksville

3^rd Place: Madison Collins, Brooksville

Food Products & Processing Systems 

1^st Place: Alexandria Crane, Brooksville

2^nd Place: Brach Jeppesen, Brooksville

Plant Systems 

1^st Place: Noah Anuez, Fort White

2^nd Place: Maria Reyes-Leon, Windermere

3^rd Place: Mary Babione, Brooksville

Division 6, Team on two members in grades 11 and 12

Environmental & Natural Resources Systems 

1^st Place: Hendrix Paterson & Isabella Scramoncin, Windermere

2^nd Place: Tabatha Bingaman & Hailey Miller, Brooksville

Social Systems 

1^st Place: Sarah True & Leah Brown, Frostproof

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2020 FFA Advisor of the Year award. The purpose of the FFA Advisor of the Year award is to recognize educators who have made a positive difference in their lives of their students. Individuals nominated must have taught for at least three years and have provided outstanding service to their FFA chapter, agricultural industry and agricultural education. The state winner will be announced during the 4^th session of the 2020 Florida FFA Celebration. 

The 2020 Advisor of the Year Finalists in alphabetical order by chapter are:

Rick Ahrens, Brooksville SR

Jill Huesman, Ft. White

Chad Lyons, Lafayette

Tori Lyons, Lafayette

Susan Mayo, Strawberry Crest

The 2020 Florida FFA Advisor of the Year is Rick Ahrens of the Brooksville SR FFA chapter. 

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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Florida FFA Names State Star Farmer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected four student members as finalists for the highly coveted State Star Farmer, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named. 

The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star Farmer:

Sam Mills, Chiefland Senior FFA

Sammy Mills has been raising and showing animals since he was five years old. When he joined the FFA, he already had many projects in place. However, his sixth-grade year he was able to attend the National FFA Convention. He left inspired to take advantage of every opportunity within the FFA. Mills says, “My SAE program is made up of several enterprises. I raise, sell, and show poultry, rabbits, Boer goats, swine and beef cattle. In addition, I have 16 production cows and a bull. I have attended numerous seminars to learn how to groom, show and mix rations for proper nutrition for each animal on my farm.” He is also heavily involved in his family’s forestry operation, which he plans to take over the day – to – day operations of the business in the future. Presently, he assists with mowing, applying herbicide, plowing fire-lines, and raking, baling and selling pine straw.  Mills says, “In order to do so much, I maintain a rigorous schedule, making sure to make time for each enterprise.”  In the future, he hopes to continue to grow his skills and one day take over his family’s pine straw operation. He is a member of the Chiefland FFA Chapter and his advisor is Dallas Locke.  Congratulations Sammy on being named the 2020 State Star Farmer!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected two student members as finalists for the highly coveted State Star in Agriscience, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named. 

The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star in Agriscience is:

Madison Collins, Brooksville FFA

Madison Collins can remember one specific instance that sparked her interest in fire resistant paint. Using that memory as a guide, she set to work researching paint additives, particularly ones that could be used as a fire retardant. Through her research, she found two chemicals sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. When these chemicals were added to paint and ignited the chemicals created a water vapor helping extinguish the flames. The first year of her project, she tested how different amounts of the chemicals added to paint effect the fire extinguishing characteristics of paint. The following year she took the chemical that worked best and used it to test the fire extinguishing characteristics of paint on lumber with different methods of preservation. Collins says, “I had some previous knowledge from science class, but through the research at the beginning of this project has helped me better understand how chemical compounds work.” In the future she hopes to become a Veterinarian. She is a member of the Brooksville FFA Chapter and her advisor is Rick Ahrens. Congratulations Madison on being named the 2020 State Star in Agriscience!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected student members as finalists for the highly coveted State Star in Agribusiness, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named. 

The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star in Agribusiness:

Noah Anuez, Fort White FFA

Noah Anuez learned the importance of hard work from his father. Taking this lesson, he joined the FFA, where he was able to find a balance of knowledge and skills in the field of agriculture and business. Anuez began his SAE by mowing yards and doing odd and end jobs. However, the scope began to diversify to fence building, bush hogging and lawn maintenance. Today, he has expanded to hauling equipment/cattle, doing professional fencing, tree work, as well as buying and selling cows, hay, and much more. Anuez says, “This has brought me great pride in my work and my abilities. I have mastered the ability to problem solve quickly and work with others as the need arises. These experiences have found a place in my heart to make sure my customers are always happy and satisfied with the service I have provided. I always want to do right by the customer if they were unsatisfied with my service.” He has developed his own brand, Anuez Enterprise and hopes to continue to provide reliable and quality service to his customers. He is a member of the Fort White FFA Chapter, and his advisors are Wayne Olfke and Jill Huesman. Congratulations Noah on being named the 2020 State Star in Agribusiness!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected four student members as finalists for the highly coveted Star Chapter Degree, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named. 

The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star Chapter winner is:

Julia Heijkoop, South Sumter Senior FFA

Long before, South Sumter FFA member, Julia Heijkoop zipped up her first FFA jacket, dairy farming has been her way of life. She has grown up spending time on Milk-A-Way and K&H dairies where her father is part owner in the two operations. Upon joining the FFA, and formally beginning her Supervised Agricultural Experience, her responsibilities as an employee of both farms increased to meet her skill level. She started with tasks like washing down floors and helping bring in the groups of cows. Heijkoop says, “Although these are entry level jobs, they allowed me to gain an understanding of cow traffic at the farm and working in close proximity of the cows. My roles have evolved to bringing in the groups of cows on my own, checking the Springer cows and looking for signs of cows having trouble calving, assisting the herdsmen with herd health checks and treatment protocols.”  Heijkoop feels that one of the most important jobs is advocacy. She has created a social media presence for the farms and uses this platform to highlight daily farm activities and inform consumers of the wholesomeness of dairy. Heijkoope says, “If I don’t shine a positive light on what the dairy industry is doing, sharing how we care for our cattle and what we do for the environment, another account will take the opportunity to spread false narratives.”  Heijkoops advisors are Tim Edwards, Morgan Wilson and Patty Wells. Congratulations Julia on being named the 2020 State Star Chapter Degree Winner!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected four student members as finalists for the highly coveted Star Greenhand Degree, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named. 

The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star Greenhand winner is:

Austin Holcomb, Durant FFA

Austin Holcomb, a 5th generation owner of purebred registered dairy cattle, was given his first calf when he was born. Since this time, he has been fully involved with his family’s dairy cattle operation of purebred registered Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds. Over the years, his roles and responsibilities in the operation have changed and increased. In 2018, he created a 50/50 partnership with his father, called Brown Cow LLC which manages the dairy operation. Holcomb says, “My roles and responsibilities in the operation include 3 main areas: Education and Social Media, Replacement Heifer Management and Calf Care, and the Breeding/Reproductive Program.” Holcomb has used their social media page to successfully sell and market 12 registered Guernsey cows. He sets up an educational milking display at 2 major fairs and expos during the year, which allows the general public to come in contact with milking animals, while learning about the dairy industry. In the future he plans to major in Agricultural Engineering and pursue a career in the agricultural field. He is a member of the Durant FFA Chapter and his advisors are Tim Cribbs, Thomas Sturgis and Brittany Coleman.  Congratulations Austin on being named the 2020 State Star Greenhand!

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION

Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.

During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

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