The National Future Farmers of America organization has announced that four United South Central FFA members will compete at its national convention. Members participating include Colin Wegner of Wells, Ladimir “Laddy” Francis Benes IV of Wells, Alex Warmka of Bricelyn and David Stenzel of Wells.

Each of the participants is only one of four people chosen to compete for their respective awards at the national finals which take place from Oct. 19 to Oct. 22, during the 89th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

Wegner has been selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in the Diversified Crop Production – Placement category. He is the son of Eric and Shannon Wegner. Wegner is a 2015 graduate of USC. He is a sophomore studying agronomy at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.

The National FFA Proficiency Award in the Diversified Crop Production – Placement is sponsored by National Crop Insurance Services and Valent USA Corporation.

Benes has been selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship. He is the son of Lad and Megan Benes. He is studying ag diesel mechanics at Mitchell Technical School in Mitchell, South Dakota.

The National FFA Proficiency Award in Agricultural Sales – Entrepreneurship is sponsored by Crop Production Services.

Warmka has been selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and

Maintenance – Entrepreneurship. He is the son of Dean and Tracy Warmka. He is studying ag diesel service at South Central College in Mankato.

The National FFA Proficiency Award in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship award is sponsored by Briggs and Stratton Corporation, Inc.

Stenzel has been selected as an American Star Agribusiness Finalist for the American FFA Degree. He is the son of Steve and Julie Stenzel. Stenzel is a

2013 graduate of United South Central High School and a 2015 graduate of Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa, with a degree in agricultural production.

The American Star Agribusiness Finalist for the American FFA Degree is sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case I-H, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta.

According to a press release, the participants became eligible for the national award after being selected as the Minnesota FFA representative earlier this summer.

In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500.

The national winner will receive an additional cash prizes during a special ceremony at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.