Alyx Johnson

Supervised Agricultural Experience:

I have five supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) in swine production, beef production, diversified livestock production, agricultural sales, and agriscience research: animal systems. My main proficiency is in swine production where I own a 12 head herd of brood sows across 6 different breeds. I sell piglets as show pigs and feeder pigs to other swine exhibitors across the southeast. I have been showing pigs for 16 years and almost exclusively show my bred and owned pigs. In my beef production proficiency, I own a 25 head herd of sim-angus beef cattle, where I raise high quality calves for locally raised beef and occasionally replacement heifers. My diversified livestock proficiency combines swine and beef production, and focuses on effectively maintaining two different species of livestock. Through my agricultural sales proficiency, I draw commissioned portraits of all livestock species for large organizations such as Certified Purebred Swine and the Virginia Angus Association. Finally, in agriscience research: animal systems, I have developed a proven herd health plan for show swine. Aspects of my herd health plan include effective vaccination, disease and parasite prevention and treatment, and genetic predictions relating to structural soundness and carcass quality.

Career Development/ Leadership/ Talent Event(s):

I have become a “jack of all trades” in FFA competitive events. In career development events, I have participated in quiz bowl, land evaluation, livestock evaluation, horse evaluation, and veterinary science; each for multiple years. My leadership development event experiences include conduct of chapter meetings (where I served as the chair) and creed speaking. I am most known for my success in agriscience fair, and have submitted a report every year of my membership.

Major FFA Accomplishments:

I have had quite a run with accomplishments in my FFA journey. My two proudest accomplishments are becoming the Alabama FFA State President and being selected as the national winner for my agriscience research: animal systems proficiency in 2024. Other than these, I have been a national agriscience fair finalist for five years in a row, a state winner with three different proficiencies, the 2024 Alabama FFA State Star Farmer, the recipient of the M.K. Heath Animal Health Award, the 2024-2025 Central District President, and a Woodland FFA chapter officer for four years (including Woodland FFA Chapter President). I am beyond grateful for each of these honors and every person who has played a part in my journey.

Favorite Book:

I adore The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. It’s such a classic that teaches so many life lessons!

Favorite Movie:

The original Alice in Wonderland is a great movie, but I watch TV shows more than movies, and my favorite is Friends!

Favorite Meal:

I love fettuccine alfredo with shrimp. Pair it with a Dr. Pepper, and I’ll be a happy camper!

Favorite Quote:

“Look what’s in front of you, not what yesterday took away. The best is yet to come.”  -George Strait

Favorite Song:

I love classic country music, and George Strait is my all-time favorite artist! It’s tough to pick just one of his hits, but I love Take Me to Texas!

Favorite Thing About FFA:

When you take a look at the National FFA Organization, students from all over our great nation with different ages, backgrounds, talents, and interests are united by a blue corduroy jacket and a desire to lead. It’s incredible to see so many differences come together and function as one family. You cannot find this type of unity anywhere else, and I am beyond proud to represent that!

Favorite FFA Memory:

I remember the day I was named as the national winner for my agriscience research proficiency like it was yesterday. After winning state in 2024, I had been selected as a national finalist (the top 4 out of 43 state-winning applications). When the day came for my finalist interview, I saw that I was up against students from California, Oklahoma, and Texas and did not expect to win. When it was time for the winner to be revealed onstage at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo, I heard my name announced over the speakers as the winner. The only thing I could muster were tears. I couldn’t believe it. Five years of hard work on the AET finally paid off. I’m still moved to tears 8 months later, and I am so thankful for every part of that journey.

College Plans:

This fall, I will be a freshman at Southern Union State Community College where I will major in pre-veterinary medicine. After earning my associate’s degree with Southern Union, I will transfer to Auburn University and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine where I will major in pre-veterinary genetics and minor in animal science. After obtaining my doctorate degree with Auburn, I hope to become a swine industry veterinarian who specializes in genetics and vaccine research.