Jacob Cope, member of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter, was recognized May 30 for having one of the best agricultural career experience programs in the state at the 85th Kansas FFA Convention.

Cope received a State FFA Proficiency Award in Beef Production - Placement during the convention for outstanding accomplishments he has made in developing programs that will prepare him for a career in agriculture. This award is sponsored by the McPherson County Feeders.

The proficiency award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program. This program allows students to set goals and gain real-world experience in a chosen area of the agriculture industry.

Cope works at Doyle Creek Land and Cattle Company where his dad is the ranch manager. Through his SAE, he has gained an understanding of how a large-scale production ranch operates. His responsibilities have increased over time and he is now involved in every aspect of the the operation. Cope also helps on other area cattle ranches when needed. After high school he plans to attend Kansas State University.

Cope is the son of Clint and Sarah Cope. His chapter adviser is Mark Meyer.

Other award-winners:

Marion-Florence

Nicholas Meyer, Washington Leadership Conference scholarship

Centre

Adviser Laura Klenda, $1,100 Midwest Ford Dealer Scholarship to attend Washington Leadership Conference

Carrie Carlson, $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough scholarship and $1,000 Orscheln Farm and Home scholarship

Makenzie Deines, Washington Leadership Conference scholarship

Hillsboro

Nathan Unruh, $1,000 Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough scholarship and $1,000 Orscheln Farm and Home scholarship