Hildebrand Named National Winner of Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency Award Program at National Convention

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Nolan Robert Hildebrand of Templeton FFA Chapter, in California was named national winner of the Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency award program at the 84th National FFA Convention, October 19-22 in Indianapolis, Indiana 2011. Four finalists competed to be named the national winner.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience. Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement is one of 47 FFA proficiency award categories offered at local, state and national levels. In recognition of being named national winner of the Sheep Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement, Hildebrand received a plaque and $1,000 during a special ceremony at the national FFA convention. The other finalists received a plaque and $500.

Nolan Robert Hildebrand of the Templeton FFA Chapter in California felt it was only natural for him to follow in the family practice of raising sheep. What began with one ewe has progressed to 35 wether dam ewes and two wether sires. From his thriving flock, he produces market lambs to show and sell to other burgeoning FFA and 4-H members across the state. Hildebrand has also enjoyed success at fairs and jackpot shows throughout his home state. Hildebrand is supported by his parents, Chris Hildebrand and Jacky Eshelbe. His father is one of his advisors along with Erin Thompson.

Pictured Left to Right: Nolan Robert Hildebrand of the Templeton FFA, Templeton, California. Alan Kelly, Director of Commercial Development – Bimeda, Inc. Mr. Tony Resh, Dealer Network Development, Manager, New Holland – Agriculture.

Pictured Left to Right: Joshua D. Huber of the Adams-Friendship FFA, Friendship, Wisconsin. Alyssa Spruill of the Stephenville FFA, Stephenville, Texas. Brandon Rick Andresen of the Benton Community FFA, Van Horne, Iowa. Nolan Hildebrand of the Templeton FFA, Templeton, California. Alan Kelly, Director of Commercial Development – Bimeda, Inc.

Sponsored as a special project of the National FFA Foundation by: Bimeda Inc. and New Holland.