Pictured above: William Vicek, Gavin McHenry, Sierra de Koning, Ashlynn Hartman
The National FFA Organization
National Event Winners
INDIANAPOLIS- Winners of the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event (CDE)
were announced on Thursday during the third session of the 95th National FFA Convention &
Expo in Indianapolis. Mr. Jamie Bultemeier, Certified Crop Advisor with A&L Great Lakes
Laboratories of Indiana, served as superintendent of the event.
The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to
recognize their success in the event. The Pawnee City FFA Agronomy team placed fourth in the
nation. Ashlynn Hartman was the tenth high individual in the nation. Sierra de Koning, Gavin
McHenry and William Vlcek also received gold medals as top participants in the contest.
The National FFA Agronomy CDE is a competitive event that allows students to apply
classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants' knowledge of agronomic sciences was
tested through several levels of competition including developing solutions for problematic
scenarios; identification of seeds, insects, soil and crops, and other management practices.
The event, held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis is one of many educational
activities at the National FFA Convention & Expo in which FFA members practice the lessons
taught in agricultural education classes.
The National FFA Organization also announced the 2022 National FFA Agriscience Fair. The
winners of the Power, Structural and Technical Systems were recognized today during the fifth
session of the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo. Luke Hunzeker and Aidan Petersen of the
Pawnee City FFA Chapter placed ninth nationally in Division 2.
The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on
experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging
technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food and natural resources. The
agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Students compete in one of six
categories in the agriscience fair and under one of the six divisions—either individually or in a
team.
On the final day of the convention, the National FFA Organization recognized members
receiving the 2022 American FFA Degree, which is the highest degree of achievement for FFA
members. Pawnee City’s Reagan de Koning and Olivia Gottula were among the FFA members
to receive the national honor.
Pictured above: Luke Hunzeker, Aidan Petersen