Dec. 6, 2022

Northwest student named FFA proficiency winner of the year

By Edidiong Idong-Bassey, communication assistant

Northwest Missouri State University student Trenton Jones completed a diversified horticulture supervised academic experience (SAE), which recently earned him recognition as the FFA’s 2022 National Proficiency Winner.

Jones’ SAE submission detailed his apprenticeship at C&M Farms’ The Greenhouse in Higginsville, Missouri, as well as a business he operated, Trent's Tropicals. His SAE offered high-quality indoor and outdoor plants at affordable prices while helping to raise agricultural awareness.

The FFA honored Jones, who competed as one of four finalists in the United States for the national proficiency title, Oct. 29 during the organization’s 95th National Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

He also received the American FFA Degree, which is the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization. Recipients receive an engraved gold pin and certificate of recognition. In addition, Jones received a $1,000 scholarship to support his academic work at Northwest.

“It’s awesome to be recognized in the top four, but it’s really cool to be recognized as the top one as well,” Jones said.

He joined FFA as a freshman at Lafayette County High School in Higginsville, Missouri. During his time with the FFA, he has served as a Missouri state officer and collegiate representative.

Jones’ interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural media at Northwest grew from watching his grandmother tend her garden and helping her manage ornamental plants.

“I really like the aspect of being able to start plants from seed and grow them up,” he said.

Now as a Northwest sophomore, he says he has gained profession-based experience as an office assistant for the School of Agricultural Sciences. Additionally, he works as a publication assistant for Northwest Student Media, is the concert director for Student Activities Council and an active member of the Northwest chapter of Collegiate Farm Bureau.

“I like to always stay busy and have a diversified skill set,” Jones said. “I was always busy in high school, so I just kept up with it while in college.”

Thanks to the coursework, faculty and opportunities offered at Northwest, Jones’ résumé shows years of leadership experience and career development.

“My experience at Northwest has been really good,” Jones said. “I always know that no matter what questions I have, whether it’s about classwork or something personal, there’s a set of professors more than happy to help. Knowing they’re here for you, not just as a student but as a person, is super important to me.”