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Brent Miller is a recent graduate of the Bainbridge FFA Chapter. His Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project is in the area of Poultry Production. Brent works as the manager of a school-based enterprise commonly known as Bearcat Poultry. Bearcat Poultry is a diversified flock of 24 laying hens and 3 roosters. The primary production purpose of Bearcat Poultry is to produce high-quality, Grade A eggs while maintaining healthy laying hens. While Brent is the manager of Bearcat Poultry at Bainbridge High School, his interest in poultry began in the 7th grade as an agricultural education student. During his exploratory agriculture class, we started a unit on the poultry industry. “My interest in poultry grew throughout my involvement in caring for the small flock of birds at Bainbridge Middle School,” Brent said. Furthermore, as a Bainbridge High School FFA member, he has competed in the Poultry Judging Career Development Event (CDE). This CDE has allowed him to expand upon his interests and knowledge within the poultry industry.

He submitted a proficiency application to the Georgia FFA Association. A proficiency application is an award application for students with quality SAE projects. These applications outline roles, responsibilities, challenges, and skills learned throughout the course of the member’s FFA career. Once the application is submitted, the applications are judged on a regional level. The student must win the region before advancing to the state round. Brent was the South Region Winner in the area of Poultry Production. At the state level, the candidates complete an interview with a panel of judges. The questions asked must relate to their involvement with their SAE project and the impact the project has made in their home and community and the skills learned from their project.

At the 94th Georgia State FFA Convention in Macon, Ga, Brent completed the interview round and anxiously awaited results. On Saturday morning of the state convention, Brent was named the State Winner in the Poultry Production! He received $250 for his accomplishments and a monetary award for his trip to the national event. Brent will compete in the National Poultry Production Proficiency this coming October at the 95th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.

FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. The Georgia FFA Association is home to over 77,000 FFA members and is the third-largest state association in the nation.