Check out these outstanding FFA members earning distinction at the national level during the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo.

Cole’s lifelong experience with his family’s custom harvesting operation, Riggin Farms, naturally turned into his SAE. The grain harvesting season starts in May in Texas, and Riggin travels north over a five- to six-month period completing custom harvesting operations, ending up in Idaho. Though many of Riggin’s work skills have been acquired on the job, he credits FFA with helping develop his communication skills. Cole plans to continue traveling with the custom harvesting operation, as well as building up the family farm. He is the son of Earl and Mary Riggin. His advisor is Jacob Larison.

A video about Cole Riggin's SAE program»

Isaiah owns and operates W.O.G. Metalworks, a welding and blacksmithing business, taking on jobs from crafting parts for machinery to custom knives and metal art. What started in his grandfather’s workshop has grown into a full business due to Isaiah’s skill, creativity, and management abilities. Isaiah plans to attend Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska to study precision machining and automation technology. Isaiah is the son of Curtis and Sarah Windmeyer. His advisor is Elmer Schmitz.

Sponsored by Abilene Machine (State) and Carry-On Trailer and Lincoln Electric (National)

Cade assists with his family’s custom harvesting business, traveling across the country to finish harvests for farmers. His responsibilities have grown while working, and is now a full-time operator for the business, handling equipment and a crew of workers. As he has taken on more responsibilities, Cade has learned to maintain better records and improve his customer service skills. After graduation, Cade plans to attend Pittsburg State University to pursue a career in pharmacy. Cade is the son of Earl and Mary Riggin. His advisor is Jacob Larison.

Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas (State)

Ethan began his cattle operation with three head, and has been able to expand to 28 red angus, 13 black angus, and 12 Charolais cows. He works in conjunction with his family’s ranch to care for and market the cattle and has taken on the full management responsibilities of his operation, including feeding, calving, and processing. Along with a strong sense of responsibility, Ethan has also learned financial and business management skills. After graduation, he plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agribusiness. Ethan is the son of David and Stephanie Dickerson. His advisor is Jeremy Long.

Sponsored by Sam & Janet Hands (State) and Merck Animal Health and Rabo AgriFinance (National)

Tate works on his family’s farm, which has 1,200 acres dedicated to forage production. Mainly growing alfalfa, Tate is responsible for repairing and operating the farm’s equipment, as well as evaluating humidity levels and quality of the hay that is produced. He has learned the various decisions involved in his family’s operation, and has gained management skills that he can apply in his future. Tate will be attending Cloud County Community College in the fall to major in precision agriculture. Tate is the son of Scott and Angie Ahlvers. His advisor is Jacob Rutledge.

Sponsored by Kansas Forage and Grassland Council, Inc. (State)and Claas of America (National)

Tyler owns and operates Larison Lawn Care with his brother. Tyler began by using his parent’s equipment but was able to expand the operation after receiving a grant from National FFA. He has been able to successfully advertise his services to the community, and cares for 16 lawns in the area. Tyler has learned mechanical skills to better maintain his equipment, and has developed business management skills, including finance and customer relations. After graduation, Tyler plans to attend Pratt Community College to study wildlife outfitting and operations. Tyler is son of Jacob and Tammy Larison. His advisor is Jacob Larison.

Sponsored by Sod Shop Inc. (State) and John Deere (National)