Proficiency Spotlight: 2019 Beef Production – Placement

By ND FFA Foundation & Missy Hansen, Carrington FFA Advisor

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association sponsored the Beef Production – Placement Proficiency Award at the 2019 North Dakota FFA State Convention. The Beef Production Proficiency is awarded to a student who works for a livestock producer applying the best management practices available to efficiently produce and market beef.

Justin Lee pictured with his Beef Production – Placement award at the 2019 State FFA Convention.

The 2019 award winner, recognized at the 90th State FFA Convention in June, is Justin Lee of the Carrington FFA Chapter.  Justin got his start in beef-related agriculture by working at T-T Ranch where he assisted with taking care of the cow/calf pairs by providing them mineral on pasture.  This initiated his interest in beef production, which led to Justin’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) where he worked at the Spickler Ranch, located just outside of Glenfield, ND.  Justin was able to balance high school and his SAE by working at Spickler Ranch on evenings and weekends over the course of his senior year.


While working here, Justin gained experience in many different areas of beef production, such as cattle stockmanship, health/treatment, fixing fence, and being a part of the annual production sale.  Gaining exposure to many different facets of beef production was important to Justin, who credits the knowledge gained during his SAE to his current career path and the successes he has had. Justin continues to follow his passion for the beef industry by working for Pahlke Cattle Company while attending Bismarck State College. Upon graduation, he plans to stay involved in the beef industry for years to come.  Missy Hansen is Justin’s FFA advisor. North Dakota Stockmen’s Association has sponsored the Beef Production Proficiency award since 2009. The award was presented at the 90th State Convention on June 5th in Fargo.