LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Blake Campbell of the Waterford FFA Chapter won the National FFA Organization’s proficiency award in Swine Production Entrepreneurship.
Campbell is one of four people who competed for this award at the national finals from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 during the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
Campbell raises and markets five breeds of purebred, registered swine in addition to purebred Texel sheep and crossbred sheep. With his brother, he received his first two gilts from an essay contest with the Ohio Berkshire Association. Throughout the years, he has been able to steadily increase profits and develop better conception rates, getting 10.92 piglets per litter.
Campbell, the son of Bridget and Joe Campbell, is the first Waterford FFA member to be named a national proficiency winner. His FFA adviser is Matthew Hartline.
Each finalist received a plaque and $500, and the winner of each proficiency area received an additional $500 and winning plaque.
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ASHLAND, Ohio — On Oct. 29 the Crestview FFA traveled to the national FFA convention in Louisville, Kentucky, sharing a bus with Clear Fork and Northmor FFA chapters. The chapters stopped and toured Sugar Creek Packing Co. in Hamilton, Ohio, and then Cummins Engines, as well as Mammoth Caves.
The group participated in three sessions at the convention, and were able to walk around the career show, which consisted of college and business booths, informing the members of what majors their schools provide.
Crestview FFA’er Abby Motter participated in the National Extemporaneous Speaking Contest and placed in the top 16 in the nation.
The chapter also received was a 3-Star National Chapter Award.
Two former Crestview FFA members, Katlyn Hulit and Luke Grauer, received their American Degree, the highest degree a FFA member can accomplish. Both were the fourth member of their families to achieve this award.
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SMITHVILLE, Ohio — On Nov. 4, the Smithville FFA chapter raked leaves for a family in their community, as part of a community service project.
The members went after school and brought their own rakes. Of course, when they were done with the raking, they couldn’t resist jumping in the giant pile of leaves for a group picture.
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ANDOVER, Ohio — On Oct. 29-Nov. 1, several Pymatuning Valley FFA members attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.
Members attending the convention included Katie Stokes, Jeston Yeater, Tyler Dunbar, Austin Kinter, Kayla Howland, Adrianna Brenizer, Adele Bogardus and Jackson Bogardus.
Chapter members Tyler Gruskiewicz and Jessica Krulic received their American FFA Degree during the convention.
Gruskiewicz is currently a student at the Ohio State University, and Krulic is a student at Hiram College.
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WEST SALEM, Ohio — Members from the Northwestern FFA chapter traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the National FFA Convention.
Those attending included: Zach Berry, Victoria Devore, Sarah Maximovich, Mary Baker, Faith Hudson, Rachelle Howman, Emily Flinn, Kaci Way, Katie Stull, Kierstyn Wood, Austin Wood, Ashley Besancon, Katie Weber, Ryan Morr, Kile Schaefer, Brad Aulger, Cory Leighty, Adam Miley, Reiley Murphy, AlanMichael Ulrich, Phil Eberly, Brittany Brown, Chase White, Gabbrielle Cecil, Hannah Hockenberry, Lene Goodman, Spencer Deming, Cody Tegtmeier, Storm Nelson, Marshall Geiger, David Miley, Bryce Rush, Sarhra Flinn, Ashley Cromer, John Eberly, Tanner Topp, Kaleb Kliner and Sabrina Johnson.
En route, they toured the Jungle Jim’s International Grocery in Cincinnati, Ohio, Adena Springs Stud Farm, and Churchill Downs Horse Arena.
That evening, members attended the opening ceremonies.
The next day, members visited the Louisville Science Center, then walked around the FFA Career Show and Shopping Mall. Members also attended all of the general sessions and attended the Scotty McCreery and Danielle Bradbery concert.
Four Northwestern FFA members received their American FFA Degrees: Ashley Cromer, John Eberly, Sabrina Johnson and Sarhra Flinn.
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MINERVA, Ohio — Minerva FFA member Evan Kiko received his American Degree Nov. 1 at the National FFA Convention.
Current members traveling to the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 29 through Nov. 1, included: Bailey Campbell, Clayton Brightbill, Martin Merrick, Bryce Fankhauser, Larry Campbell, Lizzie Berstler, Taylor Zwick, Madi Snode, Brii Moyer, Britney Wayts, Rebecca Wayts, and Kaitelyn Wayts.
The students also toured the Dayton Air Force Museum, Louisville Slugger Factory, Churchill Downs Museum, and attended a rodeo.
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NEW WASHINGTON, Ohio — On Oct. 31, 11 students from Buckeye Central FFA traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, for the National FFA Convention.
Four Buckeye Central Alumni received their American Degrees: Austin McCracken, Ross Jones, Andy Stockmaster, and Ryan Niedermier. Nearby FFA chapter members, Wynford FFA’er Connor Teters, and Colonel Crawford member Kendra Hudson, also received their American Degrees, making a total of six American Degrees from Crawford County.
In addition to the convention, students visited the Louisville Slugger facility, coordinated by adviser Tyler Pope.
