Taylor named state winner in diversified crop production placement proficiency award area

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 20, 2023 – Ben Taylor of Ashland won the Missouri FFA Diversified Crop Production Placement Proficiency Award at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

Taylor, a senior at Southern Boone High School, is the son of Jerome and Molly Taylor. He is a member of the Ashland FFA Chapter. His advisors are Rebekah Hammett and Jeff Suthoff.

Taylor’s supervised agricultural experience program consists of working for J Taylor Farms LLC. His responsibilities include helping with the process of growing corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, and alfalfa. Taylor also helps with the maintenance of vehicles, farm equipment, facilities, and transporting products as needed.

As an FFA member, Taylor has participated in Helping Youth Maximize Agricultural eXperiences Academy, American Royal Youth Leadership Day, and Missouri Cattlemen’s Foundation Farm Safety Day. He was also an exhibitor at the district and Missouri State Fair.

In addition to FFA, Taylor is the Southern Boone Varsity Football team captain and is a member of both Future Business Leaders of America and Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association. He volunteers with the Crossing Kids Club.

After graduation, Taylor plans to attend college and study agronomy. He intends to use his education to return back to J Taylor Farms LLC and enhance their current practices.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Diversified Crop production placement is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council sponsored the award.

The Missouri FFA has 26,716 members representing 356 chapters. The national organization has more than 850,000 members representing 8,995 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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