Cael Daufeldt is the National FFA Winner in the Poultry Production proficiency area! He was one of only four FFA members nationwide selected as a national finalist in Poultry Production, and won a 2025 Stars Over Iowa Award for his Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) work. Cael qualified for the Poultry Production Proficiency area through his work at his family turkey operation, BKBE Farms, for the past five years as a production assistant. BKBE Farms produces 62,500 turkeys annually. Cael helps with feeding, managing, farm biosecurity, facility sanitation, vaccinating, and record keeping. Through last year's SAE work, he was able to lower the farm's mortality rate by 5% which is below the industry standard of 5-6% for hens and 10-12% for toms.
Cael is West Liberty FFA's 2nd National SAE Proficiency winner, as Morgan Hodge was the 2023 National Winner in Outdoor Recreation. He is one of six National Finalists in West Liberty FFA's history: Gracie Danner (Beef Production), Lindsey Laughlin (Nursery Operations), Blaze Maas (Wildlife Management), Morgan Hodge (Outdoor Recreation), and his brother Cole Daufeldt (Turf and Landscaping Management). Cole competes this afternoon against the other national competitors in Turf and Landscaping Management area.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.