Montgomery County senior Josh Gilbert won the Missouri FFA Environmental Science/Natural Resources Management Proficiency Award at the 94th Missouri FFA Convention.

Gilbert is the son of Donnie and Becky Gilbert. He is a member of the Montgomery Co R-II FFA Chapter. His advisors are Amanda Sullivan and Mary Leykamp.

Gilbert’s supervised agricultural experience program consists of working for Gilbert and Son’s Construction, his family’s business. The business is largely involved in erosion control. His responsibilities at Gilbert and Son’s include making sure that terraces are cleaned and level for farmers, and putting risers together to allow water to drain from fields.

As an FFA member, Gilbert exhibited at the Missouri State Fair. He also participated in the livestock evaluation career development event.

In addition to FFA, Gilbert is a member of Student Council and the Land Improvement Contractors of America Association. He is currently serving as the president of the Bellflower Boosters 4-H Club. He has played on the Montgomery County R-II football team and participates in the shot put for the track and field team.

After graduation, Gilbert plans to attend State Technical College in Linn to work in heavy equipment and civil construction.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Environmental science/natural resources management is one of 48 proficiency award areas recognized at state level. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsors this award.

The Missouri FFA has 25,626 members representing 353 chapters. The national organization has more than 735,000 members representing 8,817 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.