Several members from the Marion/Florence FFA chapter were recognized at the South Central District FFA Banquet on Monday as district proficiency award winners.

Jacob Cope was the winner in the area of beef placement. He works for Doyle Creek Ranch where he is involved in all aspects of the beef operation. He helps treat cattle, check pens, assist with calving, herd management, embryo transfer, feeding, and moving cattle. Cope was also recognized for winning the district proficiency award in the area of forage production. His activities in these areas involve working for Doyle Creek ranch with the hay operation. He helps put up 1,500 acres of grass and brome for hay and is involved in swathing, raking, baling, and moving hay.

Aaron Molleker received the district proficiency award in the area of veterinary medicine. He works for the Animal Health Center of Marion where he helps exercise animals, assists with some small and large animal procedures, and helps clean and sanitize kennels and equipment.

Nicholas Meyer was recognized as the winner in the area of forage production. He raised 250 broiler chickens last summer and maintains a laying hen flock of Barred Rock hens. He sells the fertilized eggs from this flock to area producers who incubate them and raise them to market weight.

Meyer was also recognized as the South Central Star Greenhand in production. This award is given to the member in the district with the most complete production program as evidenced by their record book. Meyer’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program includes poultry, beef, and sheep.

Meyer was elected South Central District Treasurer for the upcoming year. He had previously interviewed and given a speech to be placed on the ballot. He presented a speech to voting delegates at the district meeting prior to the banquet.

Clark Kroupa was recognized as the winner in the area of grain production. He raises wheat, corn, and soybeans on 80 acres that he rents using his parent’s equipment. Kroupa also received his state FFA degree, which is the highest FFA degree that the state can bestow on its members.

All district winners received a plaque and a cash award from the Kansas FFA Foundation. The banquet was held at Arkansas City High School.