Jeremy Ruger of the Wauseon FFA was selected as an national finalist for the National FFA Organization’s national proficiency award in Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement. Ruger is one of only four people competed for this award at the national finals October 30-November 2 during the 86th national FFA convention and expo in Louisville, Ky.
Proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company of otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. The Wildlife Production and Management – Entrepreneurship/Placement Award is one of 49 proficiency program areas in which FFA members can participate to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state and national levels.
Jeremy Ruger of the Wauseon FFA chapter, started hunting with his father when he was in the sixth grade. Since, his hobby has developed into a love for game and passion for the proper care of wildlife. He has learned to harvest rabbits, squirrels, turkeys, raccoons, pheasants and whitetail deer. In doing this, Ruger helps keep disease down and keep pests from causing damage from area farmers. He is supported by his parents Jerri and Charles and the FFA advisors Katie Black and Mick Weber.
This award was sponsored by Pruina Animal Nutrition LLC, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition of being a finalist, each finalist received a plaque and $500. The national winner of the Wildlife Production and Management-Entrepreneurship/Placement award received an additional $500 during a special ceremony at convention.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 579,678 student members in grades seven through twelve who belong to one of 7,570 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
