MANHATTAN, Kan. — Three members of the Chapman FFA chapter were recognized for having some of the best career development programs in the state at the 89th Kansas FFA Convention on the Kansas State University campus, May 31–June 2, 2017, on the Kansas State University campus.
Taylor Lexow, Rebekah Johnson and Natalie Harris earned State FFA Proficiency Awards for outstanding accomplishments they have made in developing programs that will prepare them for careers in agriculture. Their advisors are Johanna Rykert and Alex Jost.
Lexow received her award in Agricultural Processing, sponsored by Ag Processing, Inc. Johnson’s award is in Equine Science Entrepreneurship, sponsored by Zenger Management. Harris received her award in Sheep Production, sponsored by Harris Show Lambs.
The proficiency award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. This program allows students to set goals and gain real-world experience in a chosen area of the agriculture industry.
What started as a part-time job has now helped Lexow better understand how a business runs and has developed her communication and customer relations skills. Her SAE involves working at her local grocery store, filling a variety of roles including customer service and keeping track of the store’s inventory. After graduation, she plans to obtain a degree in agribusiness from Kansas State University. Lexow is the daughter of Lynn and Vicki Lexow.
Johnson’s SAE consists of owning two geldings and one mare. With her mare, she competes in barrel races across Kansas. She uses one of the geldings help move cattle on her family’s farm, and uses her third horse to help others learn how to ride. Johnson greatly enjoys the mentoring component of her SAE and has learned about teaching others. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university to obtain a degree in nursing. Johnson is the daughter of Steve and Sherry Johnson.
Harris owns 38 mature ewes and 10 replacement ewe lambs. She is responsible for weighing feed rations, administering vaccinations, assisting in the birthing process, and caring for newborn lambs. She said one of her greatest accomplishments is becoming more knowledgeable of the sheep industry, which has allowed her to both better care for her animals and grow her customer base. She plans to attend Kansas State University to major in agribusiness and agricultural communications. Harris is the daughter of Kevin and Rosemary Harris.
The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of 9,076 agricultural education students in 186 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 649,355 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,859 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.