INDIANAPOLIS — The National FFA Organization (FFA) announced national finalists in August. Blake Campbell, of the Waterford FFA Chapter was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Diversified Livestock Production-Entrepreneurship/Placement.
Campbell is one of only four people chosen across the country to compete for this award at the national FFA convention held Oct. 30-Nov. 2, during the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo in Louisville, Ky. He is also the first member in Waterford FFA history to become a National FFA Proficiency Finalist.
The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. The Diversified Livestock Production-Entrepreneurship/Placement Award is one of 49 proficiency program areas FFA members can participate in to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state and national levels.
The Diversified Livestock Production-Entrepreneurship/Placement Award area involves the use of the best management practices available to efficiently produce and market a combination of two or more livestock related proficiency award areas. These areas include beef, dairy, sheep, swine, equine, goat, specialty animal, small animal production and care, or poultry.
Campbell’s entrepreneurship involves raising purebred registered Berkshire, Tamworth, Hereford, Spotted and Poland China Swine and purebred Texel sheep and crossbred sheep. Campbell, a member of the Waterford FFA Chapter, became eligible for the national award after winning the Ohio FFA competition earlier this year. His parents are Joe and Bridget Campbell of Waterford and his FFA Advisor is Matt Hartline.
This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Wahl Clipper Corporation, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500. The national winner of the Diversified Livestock Production-Entrepreneurship/Placement Award will receive an additional plaque and $500 during a special ceremony at the national FFA convention.
