Jacob Perino of Deer Grove and a member of the Bureau Valley FFA chapter received his American Degree on Oct. 27 in Indianapolis during the National FFA Convention. The American FFA Degree is sponsored by Case IH, The Progressive Farmer, Farm Credit, Syngenta and Pioneer, a DuPont business, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. It recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 community service hours, as well as demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.