VERSAILLES – On Friday, August 7th the National FFA announced its proficiency finalist and Versailles FFA is proud to have Cody Billenstein, Paige Gehret, Allison Pierron and Lincoln Winner named as Top 4 National FFA Proficiency finalists. Paige Gehret is a sixth year member of Versailles FFA and is a 2026 graduate from Versailles High School. Paige is the daughter of Gary and Jill Gehret of Yorkshire. Paige is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Vegetable Production. Paige’s SAE is operating a 1.1 acre pumpkin patch known as Paige’s Patch. Cody Billenstein is a fifth year member of Versailles FFA and senior at Versailles High School. Cody is the son of Jason and Kelly Billenstein of North Star. Cody is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Swine Production Placement. Cody’s SAE is a job placement at Billenstein Family Farms and assists with many aspects of the swine operation. Allison is a four-year member of Versailles FFA and a 2026 graduate of Versailles High School. Allison is the daughter of Allen and Angel Pierron of Versailles. Allison is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Agricultural Sales Placement. Allison’s SAE is job placement at Koenig Equipment where she assists with all aspects of the business. Lincoln Winner is a seventh year member of Versailles FFA and a 2025 graduate of Versailles High School. Lincoln is the son of Brian and Lisa Winner of North Star. Lincoln is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Beef Production Placement. Lincoln’s SAE is job placement at Brian Winner Farms.
Paige, Cody, Allison, and Lincoln earned the opportunity to have their applications sent to the National FFA after placing first in Ohio. Each state is allowed to submit one proficiency award application for each of 49 proficiency award areas to the National FFA for ranking. A panel of judges at the National FFA evaluates the applications and names the Top 4 Proficiency finalists as well as Gold, Silver and Bronze finalists in each 49 award areas. The 20 page proficiency application that Paige, Cody, Allison, and Lincoln submitted included: goals, plans of practices, pictures, letters of recommendations, financial records and hour documentation. Paige, Cody, Allison, and Lincoln will go through an online interview with final placing being announced at the 99th National FFA Convention. Each finalist will receive a $500.00 check from their sponsors along with the National FFA proficiency winner in each 49 areas will receive an additional $500.00. Congratulations and Good Luck to Paige, Cody, Allison, and Lincoln as they proceed to the National FFA level.
