Agriculture has always been a part of Dakota Crissman’s life, as his family has a background in ranching and farming. But when he started showing swine, he and his family realized there was a need for a skin conditioning product for show animals as well as joint supplements and quality wood shavings. Soon, Champion’s Choice and Champion Shavings were created.
This entrepreneurial spirit of the Pauls Valley resident has resulted in Crissman being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star in Agribusiness award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.
Crissman discovered the benefits of an oil product with citronella while traveling to purchase show swine in Ohio. He markets the product under the name Champion’s Choice.
Crissman’s agribusiness soon grew from one livestock show product to three, including a joint supplement, Glide, and Champion Shavings, pine shavings that can be used as high-quality bedding. Crissman always played a key role in the business, but through the years he has become more knowledgeable in evaluating annual profit margins.
Thanks to his swine supervised agricultural experience, Crissman was able to test and research his three agribusiness products on his own livestock before marketing them to the public. Crissman says his agribusiness endeavors have taught him important life skills as well as the basic business principles of supply and demand.
Currently majoring in animal science at Blinn College, Crissman plans to obtain his master’s in business administration, crediting his involvement in FFA and SAE projects for his decision.
Each year at the National FFA Convention & Expo, four FFA members are honored with an American Star Award for outstanding accomplishments in FFA and agricultural education.
The American Star Awards, including the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience, are awarded to FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through completion of a supervised agricultural experience program. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting 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.
Sixteen American Star Award finalists from throughout the U.S. are nominated by a panel of judges to interview during the national convention and expo. Four are named winners and receive cash awards totaling $4,000. All American Star finalists receive a $2,000 cash award. The American Star Awards are sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services, Case IH, Elanco, Farm Credit and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
Crissman is the son of Kelly and Dianna Crissman. He is a member of the Bells FFA Chapter in Bells, Texas, led by Glen Bount and Colton Douglas.
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