Jakob Wilson of Plain City, Ohio, will be the first to tell you that he is proof of the statement, “Farming is in his blood.” The 21 year old was raised on his family’s farm, and he says that he can’t remember a time when he wanted to do anything else but farm.

Today, Wilson’s desire and dedication to farming has resulted in him 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.

Wilson is the fourth generation to work on his family farm, and he counts himself fortunate to be able to do what he loves while learning from the generations before him. Having a deep love of the land, he has worked for JCW Farms Partnership, a diversified crop operation raising corn and soybeans, since he was a young boy. Wilson now plants more than 1,800 acres of corn and soybeans. He is also in charge of set up, maintenance and operation of the combine each day and manages his own harvest crew. Wilson says he takes great pride in his family’s farming operation and the contributions they make to be good stewards of the land while helping to feed the world.

Wilson was also active in his FFA chapter while in high school, and says his achievements in FFA were fulfilling and validated his efforts in production agriculture. He studied crop management at The Ohio State University –ATI in Wooster, Ohio, and his future plans are to contribute his land base and capital investments to expand JCW Farms Partnership and become a partner of the operation.

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.

Wilson is the son of John and Christie Wilson. He is a member of the Fairbanks FFA Chapter, led by advisor Rob Riddle.

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Dakota Siegler of Lake Geneva, Wis., remembers fondly playing with his farm toys in the house. His toys would be kept busy planting, picking or baling hay, all dependent on the current farming season. His love for farming continued to grow, and when he was old enough, he attended tractor safety certification so he could drive tractors to help his dad with the five acres of hay they owned at the time.

Today, his love for agriculture has resulted in Siegler 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.

Siegler’s supervised agricultural experience with FFA began with helping his dad on his crop production land. As he continued to work with his father, Siegler’s interest in forage production grew. Soon he rented seven acres and planted hay. In 2009, he began Dakota’s Custom Works (DCW). DCW provides custom forage services and sells various forage products such as hay and straw. DCW offers custom hay cutting, raking, baling and chopping. Siegler continues to expand his services. He currently has 30 custom forage accounts and an additional 10 regular hay-cutting customers.

In order to ensure success for his agribusiness, Siegler keeps up with new technologies and always listens to his customers.

Siegler plans to continue growing and expanding DCW. He also hopes to increase the acreage he bales from 175 to 500 acres and his custom work from 630 to more than 800 acres. Siegler says he feels like he is living his dream and sees it only getting better with hard work and dedication.

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.

Siegler is the son of Jerry and Marleen Siegler. He is a member of the Badger FFA Chapter, led by advisors Larry Plapp and Candice Olson.

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Dylan Massa, of Lamar, Mo., says he has always lived and breathed cattle. During his eighth grade year, when his agriculture teacher mentioned he would need a project during high school that would result in keeping records, his interest was sparked and his project began.

Today, that spark 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.

The 22 year old began his project with three cows and three heifers; today he has a herd of 300 and continues to invest in high-quality cattle. Throughout his supervised agricultural experience, he watched his roles, responsibilities and management decisions change. He has increased his confidence with more responsibilities and says he now can truly see himself as the owner/operator. Massa was able to buy out his grandpa’s herd as well as his half of some of the farm’s assets. He attained an associate’s degree in general agriculture at Fort Scott Community College.

Massa says he is proud of the assets, knowledge and career path he gained through his SAE, and thanks to his experience in FFA, he is living the life he always dreamed.

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.

Judging will occur in Louisville, Ky., during the 88th National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 28-31, with the winner being announced during an onstage ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Massa is the son of Russ and Denny Massa. He is a member of the Liberal FFA Chapter, led by advisors Allie Runnels and Molly Garver.

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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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Growing up in a family of agricultural education teachers, Gatlin Cy Squires was always aware of FFA and the agricultural way of life. Squires always thought FFA was about livestock exhibitions, public speaking and livestock judging.

However, this all changed for the Kingfisher, Okla., resident when he had a required science fair project in seventh grade. Squires enjoyed his science project, and when he joined FFA he found out about the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Here was an opportunity for him to merge his love of agriculture and science.

Today, that love of science has resulted in Squires 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.

For as long as he can remember, Squires has been involved with the production of swine and beef cattle. After several years of this being his supervised agricultural experience, he made a transition to gathering information for the agriscience fair. He then began to fuse his research with his swine operations. The 20 year old discovered that hydrogen peroxide mixed with aloe vera extract assisted with cleaning the skin as well as improving the skin and hair health of the animals. This mix saved the owner time and money. He also discovered a solution that helps water retention in the muscles of swine animals.

Squires says his experience through agriscience research has helped him develop countless skills. While he enjoys scientific research, he has a greater passion for advocating for agriculture as a whole. As a result, he is currently attending Oklahoma State where he is studying agribusiness with a pre law option.

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.

Squires is the son of Mark and Jona Squires. He is a member of the Kingfisher FFA Chapter, led by advisors Ryan Burns and Lori Burns.

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Growing up in a state with a multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry, Jillian Ann Drake of Fallbrook, Calif., first became aware of bacteria citrus disease from a mailer. This mailer sparked the 20-year-old’s interest in science.

Today, this interest has resulted in her 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.

Once Drake read about the disease, she became interested in pursuing research on it. She discovered that the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Citrus & Dates was a leading national research facility for this pathogen. She contacted the director about the possibility of doing some research, and he invited her to the lab. Drake thought her project would be something small in scope; however, her USDA mentors provided her with training, lab space and supplies to conduct several complex projects utilizing bio-engineering principles and genomic studies.

In her time at USDA-ARS she developed and validated new DNA extraction methods as well as conducted a research project at the USDA-ARS Soil and Salinity lab. Drake says she is grateful to FFA for inspiring her to pursue scientific inquiry through agriscience competitions, and she is appreciative of her FFA advisors as well as her USDA-ARS mentors.

Today, she is studying biochemical engineering at Long Beach City College.

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.

Drake is the daughter of Gary and Sheryl Drake. She is a member of the Fallbrook FFA Chapter, which is led by advisors Margaret Chapman, Doug Sehnert and Scott Deffin.

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Logan Peters of Pender, Neb., still remembers when he purchased his first calf for $210. He was eight years old, and he had saved for two years. His goal was to own his own herd. Because of that entrepreneurial spirit, Peters 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.

While Peters’ family owned hogs, he knew that his passion was cattle. He began mowing lawns to buy his next cow. Soon he was raising popcorn, sweet corn and growing pumpkins. He then expanded to work for a landscape company and raise broilers and laying hens, all with his own cattle herd in mind.

Today, not only does he own his herd, he also knows the importance of diversification. He focuses on growing his herd to be more efficient and profitable and making his dream of PrimeFire Meats a reality.

Currently studying animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Peters hopes to sell his first steak in 2017. He says his passion lies in keeping his family farm going and doing what his great grandfather did when he first moved to Nebraska.

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.

Peters is the son of Matthew and Pamela Peters. He is a member of the Pender FFA Chapter, led by advisor Dallas Bartlett.

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USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Hardenn shared remarks with members in attendance at the Third General Session of the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo…

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Listen to the news conference with Deputy Secretary Harden

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Listen to the 2015 National FFA Talent Competition…

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