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Shirley Pugh (202) 690-0437

DAVIDSON ANNOUNCES 2005 FFA WINNERS IN RMA ESSAY CONTEST CONTEST

WASHINGTON, Apr 1, 2005 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the ten national winners of the eighth annual FFA Risk Management Strategies Writing Contest.

The contest, whose theme was "Risk Management Strategies for My Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Program," is sponsored by RMA, in cooperation with the FFA, as a means of making the nation's future farmers aware of ways of managing various risks associated with farming.

"This contest provides an opportunity for FFA members to demonstrate their comprehension of risk management principles," said RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson. "Promoting risk management strategies with our young producers gives them a head start on becoming future farmers and ranchers."

The ten winners were chosen from 247 entrants, on the basis of content, adherence to the assigned topic, grammar, organization, originality and creativity. The contest challenges FFA members to apply the principles of risk management to their own personal enterprises in a 1000-word essay.

Winners and their advisors will receive expense-paid trips to Washington, D.C., during May 11-15, 2005, where they will visit USDA, their members of Congress, and the Capitol.

Honored for their outstanding essays are:

• Joseph Baker, Anadarko, OK, Cyril FFA,
  Shawn Freie, Advisor
• Warner Phipps, Kearney, NE, Platte Valley Academy FFA,
  Arlen Mekelburg, Advisor
• Sierra Enlow, Hodgenville, KY, LaRue County FFA,
  Misty Bivens/Tom Quiggins, Advisors
• Anna Timmerman, Nunica, MI, Coopersville FFA,
  Kent Bollinger, Advisor
• Maleah Huggins, Gooding, ID, Gooding FFA,
  Mr. Woodland, Advisor
• Lauren Wilson, Safford, AZ, Safford FFA,
  Lance Fite, Advisor
• Cami Morris, Ninnekah, OK, Chickasha FFA,
  Mike & Shirley Stephens, Advisors
• John Hoffner, Mooresville, NC, South Rowan FFA,
  David Cress, Advisor
• Jaime Spivey, Bronson, FL, Bronson Sr. FFA,
  Marcia Smith, Advisor
• Jacob Furr, Albermarle, NC, West Stanly HS FFA,
  Michael Alexander, Advisor