Graham wins Beef Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 24, 2025 – Gavin Graham of Fredricktown won the Missouri FFA Beef Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award at the 97th Missouri FFA Convention.

Graham, a senior at Fredricktown High School, is the son of Michael and Kendra Graham. He is a member of the Fredricktown FFA Chapter. His advisor is Laura Bittle.

Graham’s supervised agricultural experience program involves owning and managing a beef cow/calf operation consisting of Angus cross, Angus/Hereford cross, and registered Angus cattle. His responsibilities have evolved over time, focusing on marketing strategies, backgrounding calves, and genetic selection. He prioritizes calf health during calving season and has grown his herd by raising his own replacement heifers.

After graduating high school, Graham plans to attend the University of Missouri – Columbia to pursue a degree in Animal Science, he aims to improve animal genetics and production.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees, or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Beef Production is one of 45 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA has 26,900 members representing 365 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,027,273 members representing 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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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