A huge congratulations to Owen Baffunno, who has been named a National Finalist in the Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship category of the FFA Proficiency Award.

Baffunno  will represent Los Banos FFA this November at the National FFA Convention, where he will take part in an interview highlighting his impressive agricultural projects. 

Proficiency Awards celebrate students who build real-world skills through their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). Baffunno’s SAE—Southpaw Pumpkins and Gourds—showcases his dedication to entrepreneurship, agricultural know-how, and community impact. 

On just 1/8-acre at his family home, Baffunno grows 24 varieties of pumpkins and eight types of gourds, managing every aspect of the business himself. What began as an 8th grade idea rooted in his family’s love for fall has grown into a thriving small business. 

But Baffunno did not stop at business success—he made it a mission to “Grow and Give Back.” Each year, 10% of his profits go to local non-profits, totaling $1,342 donated over four years. 

With creativity, dedication, and a heart for service, Baffunno is a prime example of what FFA is all about and what a true passion for agriculture looks like.