Hillsboro FFA member Addy Knauff honored with State Proficiency Award

By Addy Knauff
Vice President
Hillsboro FFA Chapter
Addy Knauff, a dedicated member of the Hillsboro Great Oaks FFA Chapter, was recently recognized with a prestigious State Proficiency Award in Specialty Animal Production at the Ohio FFA State Convention. This award highlights her exceptional accomplishments, commitment, and innovation in a unique area of agricultural production.
The Specialty Animal Production Proficiency Award is designed to honor FFA members who have developed outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects focused on non-traditional livestock. This category encompasses animals that fall outside of more common production areas like beef, swine, or poultry. Examples include bees, alpacas, llamas, ostriches, emus, and even reptiles or other exotic species. The award recognizes not only the care and management of these animals but also the member’s ability to market, breed, and sustainably grow their enterprise.
Addy’s project stood out among hundreds across the state, reflecting both her passion and the hands-on knowledge she’s developed through years of hard work. Her SAE focused on her LLama and Alpaca project, combining technical animal care with business and communication skills. Her project exemplifies the core values of FFA — leadership, personal growth, and career success.
Addy’s success not only brings honor to herself but also highlights the strength and diversity of the Hillsboro Great Oaks FFA Chapter. As she continues her agricultural journey, she serves as a role model for other young members interested in exploring less conventional — but equally important — aspects of animal agriculture.