McRill
WEST ALEXANDRIA — Ryan McRill of the Twin Valley South-MVCTC FFA chapter has been named a national finalist this year for the Swine Production-Placement Agricultural Proficiency Award.
Only four FFA members nationwide are selected as national finalists in each agricultural proficiency award area. McRill’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) is his employment at Camden Feeder Pigs.
Since 2020, he has worked at the 1,600 sow bread-to-wean operation in various capacities. As the operation produces 50,000 piglets per year, his roles in daily sow and piglet care, feeding, barn and crate maintenance and sanitization have allowed him to develop a multitude of experiences within the agricultural workforce. He has also increased his role from part-time to now full-time employment after graduating in 2023.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.
This award is supported by Merck Animal Health, Cargill Protein, Elanco Animal Health, New Holland, Tractor Supply Company, U.S. Poultry & Egg Association, Zoetis, Indiana Farm Bureau and Farm Bureau Insurance and Phibro Animal Health Coperation.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,027,200 student members as part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
