National FFA Finalists

Spanish Fork FFA sent nine student's applications to be judged at the national level.  We received word yesterday about how those applications did. 

The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers studying the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students.   Three of our students competed in the agriscience fair competition.  Rylei Voorhees and Landen Olsen were named finalists in their respective categories. They will now move on to compete at the virtual National Convention this year.  

• Rylei Voorhees - finalist in Food Products and Processing Division 3. Rylei studied the effect of dry aging of rib primals on tenderness and flavor. 
• Landen Olsen - finalist in Animal Science Division 1. Landen studied the effect of pelleting feed on rate of gain in turkeys. 
• Ashley Olsen - bronze in the Animal Science Division 3. Ashley studied the effect of feeding high Omega feeds to turkeys and if that transferred into meat. 

The Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students can compete for awards in almost 50 areas covering everything from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Spanish Fork had six state winners that moved on to the national level.  Ellie Ash was named a national finalist. She will receive a $500 cash prize and will now interview to see if she will become the winner.

• Ellie Ash is top four a national finalist in the Equine Science Entrepreneurship category. Ellie's project includes raising mustangs for local wild horse challenges, giving riding lessons, and training horses for clients. She was able to grow her project from giving a few riding lessons to having clients willing to pay her for training. Ellie plans to continue this as a career and is currently apprenticing under a trainer. 
• Lance Jensen received a gold ranking (top 7) in the Agricultural Services category. Lance uses dermestid beetles to prepare skulls for European mounts. Lance has done a variety of skulls including deer, elk, moose, and more. Lance plans to continue this business as a side job as he works towards a degree in Agricultural Education. 
• Wade Coombs received a gold ranking (top 8) in the Nursery Production category. Wade works at Hansen's Plants were he is the main person in charge of watering. In addition he helps with planting, customer service, and sales preparation. Wade plans to use the skills that he has learned to help him with his landscaping business that he plans to continue. 
• Russell Mangelson received a silver ranking in the Agricultural Education category. Russell is a livestock ambassador who helps to put on camps and learning opportunities for youth throughout the state of Utah. In addition Russell has given lamb showmanship clinics and works with a few families. Russell plans to use his skills and start his own business in agriculture. 
• Tanner Voorhees received a silver ranking in the Diversified Agriculture category. Tanner works for Circle V Farms and Circle V Feedlot. In addition he raises turkeys, sheep, cattle and pigs for show and sale. Tanner plans to use the skills he has learned and the relationships he has developed to become an electrician. 
• Megan Stewart received a silver ranking in the Small Animal Production category. Megan started her project with an accidental litter of puppies. This litter made her want to raise dogs and she has since purchased a stud and two females to breed. Megan plans to use these skills to continue raising dogs while pursuing a degree in agriculture.

We congratulate these students for their hardwork.  We can't wait to see what Ellie, Rylei and Landen will accomplish at convention in October.