Two Hill College agriculture majors receive highest honor from Future Farmers of America
Ashlee Ferguson
Thursday, January 29, 2026 10:59 AM
Academics
Hillsboro, TX
Two Hill College agriculture majors, sophomores Tanner McBride and Brandon Perkins, received their 2025 American Future Farmers of America (FFA) degrees at the 98th National FFA convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, this November.
“The American Farmer Degree is the highest honor bestowed by the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Just over 5,000 outstanding former FFA members earned this degree in 2025 from all across the nation. This is a great honor for these young men who spent countless hours and hard work to receive this achievement. Congratulations to both of these outstanding ag students!,” said Agricultural Program Coordinator & Instructor Paul Brown.
The American FFA Degree demonstrates an FFA member’s dedication to their chapter and state FFA association. To be eligible for the American FFA Degree, members must meet several qualifications, including being an active member for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, operating an outstanding supervised ag experience program, community service, academic excellence, receiving their State FFA Degree, among other requirements. After a review by national FFA staff, applicants are approved by the National FFA Board of Directors.
Tanner McBride is from Kayenta, Arizona, and a member of the Monument Valley FFA chapter. His parents are agricultural instructors and leaders in the Monument Valley FFA chapter. He is also a team roper with the Hill College Rodeo Team. After graduation, McBride plans on working in the equine physical therapy industry as well as working for the family business, raising cattle and providing rodeo stock for open and junior rodeos. He also plans to compete in the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association).
“This is something I never really thought about achieving—I was just doing things that I enjoy doing. It’s cool that it led to this accomplishment and I’m grateful to receive this award,” said McBride.
Brandon Perkins, who is from Irene, Texas, was the recipient of the Hill College outstanding agriculture student in 2024 as a freshman. He is a member of the Frost FFA chapter. His grandfather is a longtime FFA leader and is currently an instructor with the Covington chapter in Texas. Perkins plans on transferring to West Texas A&M next year to complete his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and then move back to his hometown to help run the family business running cattle and managing a sale barn.
“Being able to receive my American FFA Degree was my last milestone with FFA. I was able to continue the family tradition with this award and am truly thankful for everyone that helped and allowed me to be able to reach this achievement,” said Perkins.
For more information on the Agricultural Program at Hill College, visit the Business & Industry Pathway at hillcollege.edu/bandi or contact Paul Brown at pdbrown@hillcollege.edu.