Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Nationally, students can compete for awards in nearly 50 areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management.
Members of the Osmond FFA Chapter submitted 10 applications to the District 4 FFA Proficiency Review on Jan. 31. The results were as follows: Matthew Alderson, Top Gold in agricultural education (state qualifying), Top Gold in agricultural mechanics repair and maintenance placement (state qualifying), Second Gold in poultry production (state qualifying); Cody Gansebom, Top Gold in turf grass management (state qualifying), Top Gold in swine production placement (state qualifying); Ava Reikofski, Second Gold in forage production (state qualifying); Alexa Aschoff, Second Gold in vegetable production; Addi von Rentzell, Second Gold in goat production; Keely Gubbels, Silver in ag services; James Doyle, Silver in hospitality, restaurants, and tourism.
The state-qualifying applications were submitted for review at the Nebraska State Proficiency Review, which was held on Saturday, Feb. 24, in Kearney at the Younes Conference Center. Matthew Alderson made state finalist (Top 3) in both ag education and ag mechanics repair and maintenance. Matthew will interview Wednesday, April 3, at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln for his final ranking. Cody Gansebom received Gold in swine production placement and Silver in turf grass management. Ava Reikofski got Silver in forage production.
"Combined, these FFA members have worked in excess of 700 hours on their SAE projects outside of regular classroom time," commented FFA Advisor Jessica Evans. "These FFA members have shown great dedication to their projects and have been rewarded for their hard work. Best of luck to Matthew as he competes for the chance to represent the state of Nebraska at the National FFA Convention."
