Dustin Stanton was named the 2014 American Star in Agribusiness today during the eighth general session of the National FFA Convention & Expo. Stanton, 21, is a member of the Centralia FFA Chapter in Centralia, Mo. His advisors are Scott Stone, Lori Lewis and Jessica Cummins. He is the son of Andrew and Judy Stanton. What started as a gift of six chicks from his uncle turned into Stanton’s own enterprise. As co-owner of Stanton Brothers, he manages more than 20,000 laying hens and gardens totaling 4,300 square feet. The Missourian supplies neighbors, local businesses, nursing homes, university dining halls and farmers markets with fresh eggs, radishes and tomatoes. A student at the University of Missouri studying agribusiness management, he wants to return to his family’s farm while expanding his own enterprise. He received the 2011 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency in agricultural sales.
“I have always dreamed of being able to stay on the family farm and continue my passion for agriculture,” he said. “I knew at a young age that I would have to find a niche on the farm and foster it.”
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