Jacob Abel, of Marthasville, won the Missouri FFA Turf Grass Management Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined Proficiency Award at the 88th Missouri FFA Convention.Abel, a graduate of Warrenton High School, is the son of Donny and Sherry Kopmann. He is a member of the Warrenton FFA Chapter and his advisers are Dan Burkemper and Diane Miederhoff.Abel’s supervised agriculture experience program began as a summer chore — mowing lawns. He started mowing for his parents at a young age and now mows the lawns of around 20 customers. Abel has invested earnings from his SAE in inventory for his turf grass management and beef production SAE programs.As an FFA member, Abel attended HYPE (Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence) Academy, LEAD (Learn Educate Advance Develop) Conference and Missouri Farm Bureau Statewide Leadership Day. He also has participated in national and state convention activities and has exhibited at the Missouri State Fair.In addition to FFA, Abel has been a member of Warren County Cattlemen’s Association and National Honor Society and served as president of Rotary Interact Club. He has been recognized as all-state defensive back and is captain of his varsity football team. As a member of the Warrenton baseball team, he was recognized as all-conference designated hitter.Abel plans to double major in mechanical engineering and agricultural systems management.Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Turf grass management is one of 48 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. STIHL Outdoor Power Equipment sponsored this award.FFA