Katelynn Wilson of Cortez FFA earned first-place honors in the Colorado Forage Production Proficiency Award area during the 83rd Colorado FFA Convention on Friday, June 3, in Alamosa.
Wilson credits her success in forage production from her experience working on her family farm, Brilyn Acres. She has gained knowledge on how to manage the farms alfalfa and wheat productions, including servicing center pivots, controlling the prairie dog population and managing the farm equipment. Wilson plans to attend Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, pursuing a degree in agricultural communications.
Working on the family farm instilled work ethic which has set me apart in the career realm, Wilson said. I look forward to returning to my familys farm and using my knowledge gained in college courses to help improve the forage production.
The forage production proficiency award is designed to recognize students who are involved in a supervised agricultural experience in which students produce and market crops for forage. Katelynns application will move on to the national level for judging. National finalists will be recognized at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in October.
Dale and Judy McCall sponsor this award on the state level, and Claas America Inc. serves as the national sponsor for the award. Katelynn received a plaque and cash award for her efforts.
The 19-year-old Cortez FFA member is the daughter of Brian and Kaylyn Wilson. Her agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Amanda Ramos and Kevin McComb.
Allison Porter, also of the Cortez FFA Chapter, placed second in the forage production proficiency area. Allison is a sophomore at Montezuma-Cortez High School. She has her own acreage of grass and alfalfa hay, and also assists with her familys hay business.
FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education Division within the Colorado Community College System. The Colorado FFA Association currently stands with more than 4,700 members and is proud to be the home of the current national FFA secretary, Landan Schaffert, from Otis, Colo. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information about Colorado FFA, visit www.coloradoffa.org.