By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
A local FFA member is headed to the national stage after earning first place in Alabama for her work in agricultural production and record keeping.
Allie Etheredge, who attends Ariton High School and placed first in the state with her Vegetable Production Proficiency Application through the National FFA Organization and will now advance to compete at the national level this October in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo. At the national competition, she will face other first-place winners from across the country, as well as international participants.
Etheredge’s accomplishment comes after years of work through her Supervised Agricultural Experience, commonly known as an SAE, a required hands-on learning component in FFA that allows students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world agricultural settings. Her project falls under the placement category, as she gained experience working at her family’s vegetable production operation, Sandy Creek Farms.
For Etheredge, that work has included learning every aspect of vegetable production.
“I participated in the Vegetable Production Proficiency Category, gaining hands-on experience on my family’s farm,” Etheredge said. “My responsibilities included planting, cultivating, and harvesting various vegetable crops. Each day, I logged the operational procedures I followed and detailed the specific tasks I completed.”
In addition to production, Etheredge also gained experience on the business side of agriculture by helping sell produce at local farmers’ markets.
“I documented the hours spent preparing the vegetables for sale, setting up our booth, and interacting with customers to promote our products,” she said.
Her path to the state title reflects years of steady improvement. Etheredge has been developing her SAE since the eighth grade, building both her skills and her record book over a four-year period. During the 2025 application cycle, she placed fourth in the state, using feedback from judges to refine her work.
“After receiving positive feedback, I gained a clear understanding of the areas I needed to improve for the 2026 application year and set out to improve from the previous year,” she said.
That persistence paid off in a major way this year.
“For me, earning first place in the state is extremely rewarding,” Etheredge said. “It shows me that I truly have what it takes and that all of my hard work over the past four years has been worthwhile.”
When she learned of her placement, the moment was overwhelming.
“The thoughts that went through my mind were ‘no way’ and ‘I can’t believe it,’” she said. “I was full of shock, disbelief, and excitement.”
Etheredge said her daily preparation was rooted in consistency, from working in the fields to preparing crops for market. One of the biggest challenges, she noted, was not the physical labor, but the discipline required to document her work.
“The most challenging part was not the work on the farm, but remembering to log my hours so I could receive credit for them,” she said.
Beyond technical skills, Etheredge said the experience helped her grow in confidence and discipline.
“Through this experience, I gained greater confidence in myself and the effort I have invested, because hard work truly pays off,” she said.
She also credits FFA with helping her grow academically and personally.
“FFA has helped me grow academically by teaching me how to balance my schoolwork while maintaining good grades, all while preparing applications and practicing for contests,” she said. “Personally, it has developed my leadership and communication skills. Additionally, I have met many amazing people and built lifelong connections.”
Etheredge said her parents have had the biggest impact on her journey, providing consistent encouragement and support. She also credited her teachers and FFA advisor, Mrs. Outlaw, for helping guide her through competitions and opportunities.
“My teachers have been very supportive, excusing me from class and giving me the grace to make up any assignments I may have missed while participating in FFA competitions and events,” she said. “My advisor, Mrs. Outlaw, has guided me by informing me about various opportunities and assisting me in preparing for contests and applications.”
Looking ahead, Etheredge plans to continue improving her project as she prepares for national competition, while also competing in additional FFA events. She recently placed second in the South District Agricultural Education Career Development Event and will compete at the state level in June in Opelika.
While her future career goals lie outside of agriculture, Etheredge said the skills she has gained will remain valuable.
“I have developed essential communication skills, and my understanding of plants and agriculture can be integrated into the classroom,” she said, noting her plans to attend either Troy University or the University of South Alabama to become an elementary teacher.
As she prepares for the national stage, Etheredge offers encouragement to younger students considering joining FFA.
“To younger students considering joining FFA, I would encourage them to do so,” she said. “You never know what opportunities may arise or whom you will meet.”
