Forreston FFA Member Vies to Compete in 2025 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards
Justin Myers of the Forreston FFA chapter in Forreston, IL, has been named a national finalist this year for the Diversified Crop Production Entrepreneurship Agricultural Proficiency Award. Only four FFA members nationwide are selected as national finalists in each agricultural proficiency award area.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have
developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from
agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
As a part of his application, Justin describes his project as follows: “At 10, Dad bought 25 acres, 9 tillable, across from home. He offered for me to farm the land to start a college fund. I agreed, and he helped me open a joint checking account. The first year led to a hay tedder purchase, starting my hay business. Afterward, he suggested renting more land: 18 acres at $230/acre. I learned a new skill that winter when I bought a hay rake to help reduce my income tax. In 2022, I bought my first tractor at an auction: a 55hp tractor, perfect for continuing to build my hay business. I have no-till practice to help save time, fuel, and money. My acreage significantly grew from 93 acres (18 soybeans, 45 corn, 30 hay) in 2021 to a total of 222 acres in 2024. At the end of 2024, I started to prepare myself to purchase more land by going to conferences and meeting with my Compeer Loan officer. My dad and I have a labor exchange agreement.”
To reach this achievement, Justin has spent numerous hours working on his projects, keeping records for over 4 years, being named the winner in this area in the state of Illinois, and filling out a national application. Moving forward, Justin will complete a virtual interview and then will be recognized on the National FFA Stage in Indianapolis this October when the National Winner is announced!
