Sjostrand named state winner in diversified livestock production proficiency award area

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 20, 2023 – Ashley Sjostrand of Ashland won the Missouri FFA Diversified Livestock Production Proficiency Award at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

Sjostrand, a senior at Ashland High School, is the daughter of Brian and Jeanne Sjostrand. She is a member of the Ashland FFA Chapter. Her FFA advisors are Rebekah Hammett and Jeff Suthoff.

Sjostrand’s supervised agricultural experience consists of raising laying hens, broilers, swine production and equine placement. She currently has 170 hens and sells eggs to individuals in the community and local restaurants. She also processes her own broilers with equipment purchased with the assistance of a National FFA SAE Grant. Sjostrand’s swine operation currently consists of 18 sows.

As an FFA member, Sjostrand has participated in horse evaluation and dairy cattle evaluation career development events. She also attended Washington Leadership Conference, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA), Missouri FFA Helping Youth Maximize their Agricultural eXperience (HYMAX) Academy as well as the Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) Academy.

In addition to FFA, Sjostrand serves as the secretary for the Missouri Farm Pullers Association. Sjostrand is also a state officer for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

After high school, Sjostrand plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study animal science and agribusiness management. Upon graduation, she plans to further her education in large animal nutrition.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Diversified livestock production is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. The Area 2 Agriculture Teachers Association 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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