Andrea Thomas, 16, of the Colusa FFA Chapter, in California, was named the national winner of the Diversified Agricultural Production “ Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency award program at the 87th National FFA Convention.
Although her passion is hog farming, Andrea Thomas of the Colusa FFA Chapter in California wanted the opportunity to drive her fathers Freightliner hay retriever truck.
As a sixth-generation cattleman, her SAE now spans a commercial cow/calf operation, breeding and market swine operation, and wheat, grass, oat, and alfalfa hay production.
Thomas began her swine breeding program in 2007 and started selling pigs to other youth before branching outside the community to seek buyers.
After pursuing a degree in agricultural education, Thomas hopes to work as an agricultural teacher and farm with her father.
She is supported by parents Darrin and Heather Thomas, who is also her FFA advisor, along with Tim Crabtree.
Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience. Diversified Agricultural Production “ Entrepreneurship/Placement is one of the 49 FFA proficiency award categories offered at local, state and national levels.