Magnolia FFA Students Shine in Preliminary National Results with Two Members Set to Compete for National Titles
Magnolia FFA received exciting news this week as National FFA announced the preliminary results of the 2026 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards and National FFA Agriscience Fair.
After earning top honors in Arkansas, Magnolia FFA’s state-winning proficiency applications and Agriscience Fair project advanced to national evaluation. The chapter is proud to announce the following results:
Jaber Abbaspour — National Finalist, Diversified Horticulture Proficiency
Savannah Allhands — Gold Rating, Beef Production Placement Proficiency
Hayden Cook — Silver Rating, Poultry Production Proficiency
Michael Boyd — Silver Rating, Swine Production Proficiency
Michael Boyd and Tatum Carter — Arkansas Agriscience Fair winners whose project advanced to national judging
Abbaspour was selected as one of only four FFA members nationwide to compete as a national finalist in the Diversified Horticulture Agricultural Proficiency Award area.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who have developed specialized skills and career experience through their supervised agricultural experiences, commonly known as SAEs. Members compete in award-winning areas representing agricultural careers ranging from communications and horticulture to livestock production and wildlife management.
Abbaspour’s SAE experience includes extensive work in wholesale nursery production, greenhouse operations, retail garden center management and landscaping. His responsibilities and skills have grown throughout his involvement, allowing him to gain valuable experience in irrigation, plant health, production planning, customer service and daily business operations.
Before the National FFA Convention & Expo, Abbaspour will complete a national interview for the opportunity to be named the 2026 National Winner in Diversified Horticulture. He will then travel to Indianapolis in October, where he will be recognized onstage and the national results will be announced live.
Abbaspour will join fellow Magnolia FFA member Michael Boyd, who previously earned the opportunity to represent Arkansas in the National FFA Job Interview Leadership Development Event. Mikey will also compete in Indianapolis for the chance to earn a national title.
Together, the two members will represent Magnolia FFA in two different national competitions—one through an agricultural proficiency award and the other through a leadership development event.
These results demonstrate the many ways Magnolia FFA members are developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Magnolia FFA invites the community to congratulate all of these outstanding students and wish Jaber and Mikey good luck as they prepare to represent Magnolia, Arkansas, on the national stage this fall.