Tyler Fenner of Sweet Springs, Missouri, won the Missouri FFA Diversified Agricultural Production Proficiency Award at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

He is a member of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter. His advisors are Kristen Fenner and Brent Niemeyer.

Fenner’s supervised agricultural experience program consists of working as a farmhand at Fenner Farms, a diversified crop and cattle farm. He helps manage the 3,500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay along with the over 600 head of Angus and Simmental cattle. His responsibilities include operating heavy machinery, working on equipment, and helping in every aspect of the hay operation. He also has his own herd of Angus and Simmental cattle that he breeds, calves, and retains females for production. . Missouri Farmer Today sponsored the award.

Alyssa Bargfrede of the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter placed fourth in the Division II prepared public speaking leadership development event at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention. Sixteen students from six districts were selected to compete at the state level. The Sweet Springs FFA advisors are Kristen Fenner, and Brent Niemeyer.

Missouri Army National Guard and Missouri Army ROTC sponsors the competition, which requires contestants to deliver a four -to-six-minute speech based on an agriculture topic they have selected and researched. The contestants present their speech in front of a panel of judges and then undergo an additional four minutes of questions. The event helps students to polish logical thinking and verbal skills needed in the classroom.

The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. Sweet Springs placed eighth out of 355 chapters. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive a top chapter designation annually.

Photo courtesy of Missouri FFA media room.