The National FFA Organization selected 16 students from throughout the United
States as finalists for its 2020 top achievement awards: American Star Farmer,
American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and
American Star in Agriscience.
The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among thousands of
American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes FFA members who have
developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through the
completion of a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. A required
activity in FFA, an SAE allows members to learn by doing. Members can own and
operate an agricultural business, intern at an agricultural business or conduct
an agriculture-based scientific experiment and report the results.
Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management
skills; completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership
requirements; and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization's highest
level of student accomplishment.
A panel of judges will interview the finalists and select one winner from each
award category for the 93rd National FFA Convention & Expo, which will be
held virtually this fall. The four winners will be announced during the
convention.
Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta sponsor the American FFA Degree
recognition program.
American Star Farmer:
- Cole Ketterling of Wishek, N.D.
- Nole Gerfen of Marion, Ohio
- JaLeigh Renee Oldenburg of Mulhall, Okla.
- Mikara Anderson of Three Springs, Penn.
American Star in Agribusiness:
- William Kellum of Jefferson, Ga.
- Ely Matthew Boulds of Eldorado, Ill.
- Hannah York of Fredonia, Ky.
- Blake Kirchhoff of Hardy, Neb.
American Star in Agriscience:
- Lauren Roberts of Trenton, Fla.
- Maddie Sue Fugate of Mahomet, Ill.
- Nicole Stevens of Yukon, Okla.
- Jacob Bagby of Stephenville, Texas
American Star in Agricultural Placement:
- Ryan Adelbert Stewart of Washington, Kan.
- Will Shelby of Madill, Okla.
- Cole James Schock of Salem, S.D.
- Wilson Nugent of Gilmer, Texas