ND FFA Foundation

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John T. Rice – Grain Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award Winner

Farm Boy by Melissa Mitchell

John T. Rice (J.T.) from the Maddock FFA Chapter developed his interest in farming at an early age when he began working on his family farm.  Through his years of hard work, he has been able to rent his own land and begin farming on his own.  By his junior year in high school, he owned 80 acres and rented an additional 400 acres of crop land with his younger brother. 

J. T.’s admiration for his ancestors who became farmers after coming to America helped influence his decision to be involved in agriculture.  After many summers on his family’s farm, he has sharpened his agricultural skills and has developed an understanding of the hard work and difficulties that farmers encounter while trying to succeed in today's world of agriculture.

All of J. T.’s work has not stopped him from also being an active member in his community.  He took the ND State EMT course and has volunteered with the Maddock Ambulance. He has been extremely active in his FFA Chapter helping to teach farm safety classes to elementary students, tutor special needs students in math, and has helped plan the Maddock FFA Officer retreat for FFA chapter officers from around the state.

J.T is currently attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs , Colorado and is double majoring in geospatial sciences and foreign area studies.  His goal is to fly combat aircrafts for the United States Air Force for the next ten years.  He hopes to gain insight into the world of international relations and trade through his time in the military and then return to the world of agriculture after his time is finished in the Air Force.

The Grain Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency awards are sponsored by the ND Wheat Commission.  The winning applicant also receives a $500 scholarship from the ND Barley Council and the ND Grain Growers Association.

Ths page is sponsored by the ND Grain Growers Association

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Last modified: April 22, 2008