Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin FFA Has Two American Star Finalists

Wisconsin Ag News Headlines

Wisconsin FFA Has Two American Star Finalists
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/30/2014

Wisconsin FFA members continue to garner national attention for their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. This week, the National FFA Organization announced the names of this year's National Star Finalists awards, which include two students from the Badger State.

The regional finalist for American Star Farmer is Thomas Allen of the Reedsburg FFA; and Thomas Larson, Viroqua, is in the running for American Star in Agribusiness. Both students earned the same awards at the state level in 2013.

Allen's operation includes Jersey cattle and market lambs. He uses genomic testing to verify pedigrees and genetic traits to ensure that only the best features will end up in his animals. Thomas shows and sells his animals.

Larson started a small engine and equipment repair business after he began buying lawn mowers and ATVs, which he often fixes up and resells online. It all began when he purchased his first used snowmobile, which lead him to tinkering with other machines like chainsaws, roto-tillers and weed eaters.

Star awards recognize students who have developed outstanding agricultural skill and competency through their career development programs, demonstrated outstanding management skills, earned the American FFA Degree and have met other agricultural education, scholarship and leadership requirements.

Each star finalist receives $2,000 from the National FFA Foundation and earns the opportunity to participate in an international experience tour to Costa Rica. A panel of judges will interview the students and select one winner for each area at the National FFA Convention this fall in Louisville, Kentucky.

Winners will receive an additional $2,000 award.

Other Wisconsin Headlines