Davis Earns Top State FFA Honor in Wildlife Production & Management

By Emily Bontrager

Each year, FFA members are recognized through proficiency awards at the local, state, and national levels. These awards highlight a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and how they have demonstrated excellence in their chosen agricultural field.

Wyatt Davis won the Missouri FFA Wildlife Production and Management Proficiency Award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention on Wednesday, April 15.

According to missouriffa.org, “Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Wildlife production and management is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level.”

Wyatt, 18, is a senior at Clark County R-1 High School. He is the son of Tim and Robin Davis of Clark County. After graduating, Wyatt plans to attend State Technical College in Linn, Missouri, to become a lineman. He also hopes to stay involved in agriculture by raising his own cattle.

Wyatt’s SAE focuses on wildlife management and production.

“My neighbor, Matt Kirchner, has a deer farm. It’s called Missouri Whitetails and he asked if I’d help him,” Wyatt said.

“I care for the deer and then help him with vaccinating and breeding.”

“I’ve always loved deer hunting and being able to see the deer and the bucks start from nothing and then they’ll grow into this crazy looking animal that someone gets to go out and shoot,” Wyatt said.

To apply for the award, Wyatt completed an online application detailing his SAE and future plans.

When Wyatt’s name was announced on stage at the state convention, he initially couldn’t hear that he had won, but once he realized it, he was excited.

Wyatt has been a member of the Clark County FFA chapter since his freshman year of high school.

“My family all come from agriculture backgrounds and out of all of the clubs I thought I fit in with FFA more than anything else,” Wyatt said.

He has served as assistant treasurer and, for the past two years, as vice president of the chapter.

Throughout high school, Wyatt has been involved in several FFA career development event teams. As a freshman, he competed on the Knowledge team; as a sophomore, the Agronomy team; as a junior, the Entomology team; and this year, the Dairy Foods team.

FFA has had a strong impact on Wyatt’s life.

“It builds America. There are so many career paths through it. If someone wasn’t sure what to do, they should join. It’s very diverse,” Wyatt said.

Outside of FFA, Wyatt enjoys hunting, fishing, and caring for his fair projects. He is also a member of the Willing Workers 4-H Club, has participated in basketball and baseball, and is involved in the Peaksville Christian Church youth group.

Wyatt is now preparing to submit his application for national FFA competition.

He credits his parents, Tim and Robin, for their support and encouragement to stay involved in FFA. He also thanks Matt Kirchner for the opportunity, along with his FFA advisors, Mr. Lemmon, Mr. Oilar, and Ms. Behnke, for their support.

Wyatt’s accomplishments through FFA have had a positive impact on his life, and his hard work and dedication have paid off in his FFA career.