Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Ag Placement awards.

Finalists for these awards have mastered skills in production, finance or management.

Star Farmer. Republic County FFA member Ella Pachta was recognized as the State Star Farmer, during the 95th Kansas FFA Convention this spring on the Kansas State University campus.

Pachta’s SAE consists of her work on her operation, including hay and cattle production. The Star Farmer award was sponsored by United Bank and Trust.

Other finalists for this award include: Kyler Stephenson, Mission Valley FFA; Delaney New, Holton FFA; Ean Doane, Smith Center FFA; Luke Hartung, Haven FFA; and Catie Gooch, Hugoton FFA.

Star in Ag Placement. Beloit FFA member Abigail Porter was recognized as the State Star in Ag Placement. Porter’s SAE consists of her work at Solomon Valley Veterinary Hospital. The Star in Ag Placement award is sponsored by Kansas Farm Bureau.

Other finalists for this award include: Will Sherman, Prairie View FFA; Cole Nolte, Marysville FFA; Kyle Peterson, Centre FFA; and Cody Wille, Iola FFA.

Star in Agribusiness. Sublette FFA member Christian Peña was recognized as the State Star in Agribusiness. Peña’s SAE consists of his ownership of a lawn-care business. The State Star in Agribusiness award is sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas.

Other finalists for this award include: Benjamin Burling, Eudora FFA; and Rebekah Vague, Ellsworth FFA.

To discover all past Kansas FFA Star Award Winners, visit ksffa.org/project-2028/starwinners.

Source: Kansas FFA