Born into a family who raises cattle and horses, Britt Larson of Pilot Point, Texas, knew he was destined to be involve in the ranching business. He remembers helping out his family when he was as young as 6 and calling the cattle to feed. As he grew older, his interest and motivation regarding the ranching interest did as well.
Today, this motivation and interest has resulted in Larson being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.
When he was 13, Larson became an official part-time employee for Hi Dee Ranch. He began assisting with feeding the cattle and horses. Soon he was working the chutes and helping with vaccinations. Over time, his family handed over the reins of the company to Larson, which included many of the day-to-day operations and management decisions.
During high school, along with working at his family’s ranch, Larson was kept busy with FFA activities and athletics. He served in a variety of FFA leadership roles while in high school, including chapter vice president during his senior year. He credits his involvement in the cattle industry for setting him on the path for a future career in the ranching industry. Today, the 21 year old is studying leadership development at Texas A&M University.
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.
Larson is the son of Craig and Andrea Larson. He is a member of the Pilot Point FFA Chapter, led by advisors Randy and Tammy Glascock and Casey Brinlee.
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