Student Promotes Horticulture With FFA Proficiency Award

The winner of the esteemed FFA Horticulture Entrepreneurial Placement Proficiency award at the National FFA Convention held in October in Louisville, Ky., Thies began her project with just 1.5 acres of empty lots and old garden sites she borrowed from the land owners. She planted fruits and vegetables and in return they picked the goods for their own use.

She expanded her project by purchasing 1.2 acres of her own land and borrowing 2.3 acres from other landowners. She also constructed a greenhouse to grow vegetables, fruits, flowers and plants.

"It was an overwhelming experience to be selected as the national winner. It helped to reassure me that hard work pays off. FFA has provided me the leadership capabilities and the drive to succeed with a future career in horticulture."

Thies is currently an agriculture education major at the University of Missouri-Columbia with a minor in horticulture and agriculture economics.

Bayer Professional Care, which manufactures products for use in the crop protection, professional turf and ornamental, pest control and golf course markets, sponsors the Horticulture Proficiency Award. The company also has a partnership with Olympic Horticultural Products in the nursery greenhouse industry.

"When we see ambitious and bright students such as Deanna, we are looking at the future business leaders in the green industry," stated Neil Cleveland, turf and ornamental brand manager for Bayer Corporation. "Bayer wants to encourage young individuals pursuing education and ultimately careers in the green industry to get involved with educational programs and organizations that will help further their endeavors."

Bayer salutes entrepreneurial students who are dedicated to learning the agricultural and green industries and supports many educational initiatives. The FFA organization is known for its excellency in preparing students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.