ONTARIO Calif. — Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California returned to the Toyota Arena for the sixth session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference in Ontario, with the theme of “Redefine Connection.”
The Distinguished Service Citation is reserved for those few who provide assistance of an outstanding nature to the FFA organization. This year’s awards were presented to UC Farm Smart and Intuitive.
Proficiency Award finalists from Poultry Production to Wildlife Production & Management were also recognized on stage. Winners are listed below:
Proficiency Winners, Poultry Production Production to Wildlife Production & Management:
- Poultry Production: Cole Erman, Galt FFA
- Service Learning: Irene Torres, Watsonville FFA
- Sheep Production: Nathan Flores, Galt FFA
- Small Animal Production and Care: Trista Fry, Kingsburg FFA
- Specialty Animal Production: Juan Rojas, Madera FFA
- Specialty Crop Production: Rosa Chavez, Johansen Modesto FFA
- Swine Production Entrepreneurship: Sadie Vino, Nipomo FFA
- Swine Production Placement: Macey Gomes, Sutter FFA
- Turf Grass Management: William Thompson, Madera FFA
- Vegetable Production: Antonio Hernandez, Pioneer Valley FFA
- Veterinary Medicine: Shelby Criner, Alturas FFA
- Viticulture Production: Ashley Cardona, Bakersfield-Independence FFA
- Wildlife Management: Jack Munger, Sutter FFA
Members of FFA State Talent showcased and performed their skills for California FFA members. Finalists included Adrian Soto of Santa Rosa FFA and Zena Scott of Brentwood Liberty FFA. FFA members voted on each of the finalists and the 2023 FFA State Talent winner will be announced during tomorrow’s closing session.
The 2022-23 State FFA Officer team recognized their parents and thanked the individuals who supported them throughout their lives and FFA career. Their parents were also bestowed with Honorary State FFA Degrees.
Landon Hendricks, State FFA Vice President shared his retiring address, “The Next Step.” Hendricks described what the FFA organization taught him, despite thinking baseball was what his high school career would be consumed with. Hendricks encouraged members to dive right in despite doubts or uncertainties they have.
“Whether we choose to get involved in a handful of things or just attend the monthly chapter meetings, we are choosing to get involved,” Hendricks said. “Be present in the conversations, make connections with those around you, and take the time to live in the moment.”
The closing session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will start at 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
About California FFA: The California Association FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 FFA members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
