Future farmers take honors at National FFA convention

LOUISVILLE - Three prize-winning High Springs Community School students traveled to Louisville during the week of Oct. 28 and represented the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter at the National Agriscience Fair.

The journey for Cody Emerson, Moss Caballero and Tim Myers started over the summer at the Florida State FFA Convention in Orlando. They each placed first in their respected categories. Cody Emerson was chosen as the overall winner in his division. Winning first place at the state level allowed their projects to be forwarded to the National FFA for the opportunity to represent Florida at the National Agriscience Fair. Only fifteen students from each category were chosen to compete at the national level from a pool of winners representing all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The National FFA Agriscience Fair is a competition for FFA members from grades seven to 12 who are interested in the science and technology of agriculture. To qualify, students must conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture and food science industries and present their finding to a panel of judges.

Cody Emerson won first place in the food products and processing category with his project that tested consumer’s preferences for red meat used in jerky. Moss Caballero won third place in the power, technical and structural category with his project on energy efficiency. Tim Myers placed ninth in the animal systems category with his project on bee repellents. Emerson was the only first-place winner from Florida and the youngest to ever take first place at the national level.  

As far as futures plans for these students. They each plan on competing in FFA activities throughout high school. After high school, Cody Emerson would like to become a State FFA officer, then attend the University of Florida and obtain a degree in agriculture communication and education and become an agriculture educator. Moss Caballero plans on attending the University of Florida and majoring in journalism with a minor in biotechnology. Tim Myers plans on getting a degree in agriculture and moving to Illinois to take over his family farm.  

Getting to Louisville was a very expensive trip. There was an overwhelming support from the community to help assist with the expenses. The trip to Louisville will be something these boys will never forget. It was an honor and privilege to represent High Springs and the State of Florida at the convention.  

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