American Star in Agriculture Placement Winner — Eric Coddington (WI)

Growing up on a family farm, Eric Coddington of Montello, Wis., developed a strong interest in crop production, particularly raising corn. As he grew older, he began working on certifications and more on the farm. As he gained experience, he realized that his main interest revolved around raising and harvesting crops.

This interest and experience has resulted in Coddington 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.

Urged by his father, Coddington began studying corn production. Soon he was working on test plots and researching. Today, the 21 year old is studying agronomy and agribusiness at Iowa State University in addition to working alongside his father at Peppermill Farms, where they raise 1,400 acres of corn, 500 acres of alfalfa, 300 acres of soybeans and 50 head of Angus beef cattle.

Coddington credits his involvement in FFA as well as the education he has received from his father, teachers and professors in helping to develop his understanding of agronomic and business principles necessary for crop production management at Peppermill Farms.

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.

Coddington is the son of Brian and Mary Coddington. He is a member of the Montello FFA Chapter, which is led by advisor Hannah Wolsdorf.

VIDEO RECAP

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American Star in Agriscience Winner – Justin Zahradka (ND)

Growing up on the family farm, Justin Zahradka of Lawton, N.D., was intrigued by livestock, tractors and crops. He was an inquisitive child, asking questions such as “Why do farmers cultivate soil?” “Why do cows only eat certain vegetation?”

This curiosity led the 21 year old to become involved in his local FFA chapter and today has resulted in him being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star in Agriscience award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.

As a member of his FFA chapter, Zahradka was involved in many aspects of the chapter, from leadership positions to playing a role in crops judging. His interest in crops judging continued to grow and soon, he agreed to participate in the North Dakota Cover Crop Trial. His responsibilities included providing the land and cattle, helping select the seed mix, planting the crop, weighing the cattle and assisting in tours. His cover crop was one of the first research of its kind in his area.

His research with cover crops has now changed how Zahradka farms. He says rather than working against nature, he is now adopting a system of biotic farming. Biotic farming revolves around all living things rather than just the crop being grown and focuses on a more integrated, biological way to address problems and reduce inputs.

He is currently studying crop and weed sciences at North Dakota State 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.

Zahradka is the son of Jeff and Lori Zahradka. He is a member of the Park River High School FFA Chapter, which is led by advisor Brent Arndt.

VIDEO RECAP

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American Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist — Britt Larson (TX)

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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American Star Farmer Winner — Austin Wippel (OH)

Coming from a family who farms, Austin Wippel of Orient, Ohio, was motivated to begin a supervised agricultural experience project in agriculture. The 21 year old began baling 30 acres of straw before becoming an FFA member in 2009, and today he owns and operates a hay and straw baling business as well as farms 65 acres of row crop production.

Wippel’s motivation has resulted in him being named a 2015 finalist for the American Star Farmer award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.

Wippel raises 65 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa hay in rotation. Between the hay and straw, he handles an average of 23,500 small square bales of hay and straw per year.

His business has allowed him to see the importance of money management, equipment purchases and marketing strategies. In addition, Wippel says his involvement with FFA has shaped him as a person and continues to motivate him every day. Currently studying agronomy at The Ohio State University, he plans to graduate in 2017 and continue to diversify his business.

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.

Wippel is the son of Jay and Marci Wippel. He is a member of the Westfall FFA Chapter, led by advisors Rick Metzger, Rachel Scior and Jake Wuebben.

VIDEO RECAP

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American Star in Agribusiness Winner — William Maltbie (OK)

While William Maltbie of Burlington, Okla., has been surrounded by agriculture all his life, he didn’t discover agricultural education and FFA until he was in eighth grade. Today, he says it was the greatest accident he ever encountered.

When the 22 year old began his first agricultural education class, he just had a push mower and a few other pieces of lawn equipment he used to take care of his neighbors’ lawns. Before long, his FFA advisor suggested he turn that into a business. Maltbie followed that advice and soon Maltbie Mowing was born, and today it is flourishing.

Maltbie’s entrepreneurial spirit has resulted in him 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.

Today, Maltbie Mowing is a full-service lawn care business that serves more than 50 clients in six communities. From a turf-grass management aspect, Maltbie provides clients with customized mowing solutions. In addition to mowing, he conducts soil testing and grass analysis.

Along with having a successful lawn care service, Maltbie was active in his FFA chapter, including public speaking and agri-entrepreneurship contests. He says that thanks to FFA, he has been able to increase his knowledge of the agricultural and business sectors.

Starting his own agribusiness led Maltbie to pursue a degree in agribusiness with an option in plant and soil sciences from Oklahoma State 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.

Maltbie is the son of James and Janet Maltbie. He is a member of the Burlington FFA Chapter, led by advisor Travis Bradshaw.

VIDEO RECAP

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FFA Talent — Adam Davis

Adam Davis from Colorado shared his talents on the accordion performing The Duck Dance…

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FFA Talent — Wyatt Woods

Wyatt Woods from Kentucky shared his talents performing Just To See You Smile

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Retiring Address | Ruth Ann Myers

Eastern Region Vice President Ruth Ann Myers shared her retiring address with FFA members,  Best Day Ever…

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American Star Agricultural Placement Finalist — William Woodworth (WV)

As long as he can remember, agriculture has played a role in William Woodworth’s life. Being a fifth-generation farmer, the Burlington, W.Va., resident says agriculture is part of his heritage. More than his heritage, however, Woodworth says that agriculture has become a great passion of his and his experiences have helped him develop into the person he is today.

Today, the passion he has for agriculture has resulted in Woodworth 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.

Woodworth got involved in agriculture at a young age; once he entered high school, he became involved in FFA. He credits his involvement in FFA for his interest in the meat industry. Studying the meat industry through the meats career development event offered by FFA ignited his interest in the meat processing part of Flying W Farms, a diverse farm operation consisting of a slaughterhouse, processing plant and a retail store for direct marketing.

When he first began at Flying W Farms, Woodworth performed basic duties such as placing retail cuts into vacuum bags, running the vacuum packager and labeling the end product. He eventually was given more responsibility in processing and soon was taught the basic daily operations and the advance processes of breaking and fabricating carcasses into retails cuts for consumers.

Currently studying livestock science at The Ohio State University-ATI, Woodworth says his experience in FFA as well as his work at Flying W Farms has increased his agricultural knowledge and helped in his confidence to pursue a career in production farming.

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.

Woodworth is the son of Richard and Margaret Woodworth. He is a member of the Mineral County FFA Chapter, led by Charles Bennett, Julie Sions, Carol Webb and John Ritchie.

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American Star Farmer Finalist — Thomas Glascock (TX)

Ever since he was a little boy, Thomas Glascock of Pilot Point, Texas, knew he wanted his own herd of cattle. Today, not only does the 21 year old have his own cattle herd, he has been named a 2015 finalist for the American Star Farmer award, one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization.

For as long as he can remember, Glascock’s life revolved around livestock and agriculture. In 2000, he received his first Red Angus, and she became the foundation of his herd. Today, along with his herd of 90+, he boasts 310 acres of coastal and native grasses to produce the forage needed to satisfy the nutritional demands of his cattle. Throughout high school, he spent hours feeding, inspecting, managing show cattle, hauling hay and processing cattle.

He has participated in a variety of FFA activities at both the local, district, area, state and national levels. In addition to his FFA activities and his SAE, he took on more responsibilities within the Texas Junior Red Angus Association. As he studies production animal science at Tarleton State University, Glascock says that he feels like he is now turning his dream into a reality, one management decision at a time.

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.

Glascock is the son of Randy and Thomas Glascock. He is a member of the Pilot Point FFA Chapter, led by advisors Tammy and Randy Glascock and Casey Brinlee.

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