Kentucky FFA

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 29, 2018) — Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 91st Annual National FFA Convention October 24-27 in Indianapolis. An all-time record of 69,944 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended the convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States.

Gracie Furnish of Harrison County FFA concluded her year of service as the National Eastern Region Vice President of FFA. Along with her teammates, Furnish traveled tens of thousands of miles on behalf of the National FFA Organization. She plans to return to her studies at the University of Kentucky in January.

Spencer County FFA won the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event. Members of the Dairy Cattle Evaluation team included Amelia Floyd, Sydney Warren, Evan Stilts, and Noah Dunning. Amelia Floyd was the national high individual, Sydney Warren was the third high individual, and Evan Stilts was the fourth high individual. Noah Dunning received a national gold rating. FFA Advisor Bland Baird served as coach of the Dairy Evaluation team. This is the ninth time since 2006 that Spencer County has won the national Dairy Evaluation CDE.

North Laurel FFA won the Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event. This is the first time a Kentucky team has won this event. Team members included Tyler Purvis, Lennox Brinks, Katie Fortney, and Alaniey Robinson. Lennox Brinks was the national high individual in the event, and all other team members received a gold rating. FFA advisor Dustin Estridge served as coach of the Environmental and Natural Resources CDE team.

Jonah Brannon of Calloway County was named the national winner in the Agricultural Services Proficiency contest. Jonah’s award was based on his work to develop his business Brannon Plot Service. He has worked with several agricultural supply companies and the Cooperative Extension Service to grow test plots of various seed varieties. He is the son of Tony and Lisa Brannon. His advisors are Jacob Falwell and Bill Sampson.

Brent Moore of Garrard County FFA was named the national winner in the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Entrepreneurship proficiency contest. Brent built a successful business repairing and replacing farm tires for a number of local clients. He is the son of Walter and Elizabeth Moore. His advisors are Aaron McDonald and Christen Roseberry.

For a complete list of Kentucky FFA individuals and chapters that excelled at the National FFA Convention, go to kyffa.org/news/114.

Spencer County FFA won the Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE for the ninth time. The team was coached by Bland Baird, left.

Left: The North Laurel FFA Chapter won the Environmental and Natural Resources CDE. Team members were
Lennox Brinks, Tyler Purvis, Katie Fortney, and Alainey Robinson. The team was coached by Advisor Dustin Estridge.
Right: Gracie Furnish of Harrison County FFA delivers her retirement address to conclude her year as National Eastern Region vice president.
(Kentucky FFA photos)