WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Indiana FFA Association named its 2024 State Stars as part of its 95th Indiana FFA State Convention. They found out the results on June 19 at the Hoosier Degree Session during the 95th Indiana State FFA Convention at Purdue University.
After submitting an application, a personal interview, as well as a site visit, these members were deemed Star Finalists in their respective categories. Members determined as Star Finalists then are interviewed for a chance to be named as a State Star in these four prestigious award areas: Star Farmer, Star in Agricultural Placement, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Agriscience.
Those determined as State Stars in each of the categories received a scholarship for $250 sponsored by The Jeff Lehman
Family. Each candidate will receive a plaque and award pin from AgReliant. They will also receive a copy of the Star videos showcasing each candidate’s program, which are sponsored by Beck’s Hybrids. Elanco Animal Health sponsored the State Star Banquet for the Stars and their family held during the 95th Indiana FFA State Convention.
Below are the names and chapters of each State Star:
Star in Agricultural Placement – Josie Kelsay, Whiteland FFA Chapter
The “Moo Choo,” corn maze, and pumpkin sales are staples of Josie’s fall days. Leading elementary field trips, teaching them about various parts of production agriculture, or running the concession stand, interacting with the countless visitors, are her favorite parts of working for Kelsay Farms.
Star in Agriscience – Blaine Wagner, North Decatur FFA Chapter
Blaine’s future career will be all about conducting research, so it’s fitting that he found a passion for agriscience. He studied COVID-19’s effect on Agility Dog Fitness and Quality of Training as well as how landowners can capitalize on making an income from carbon credits.
Star in Agribusiness – Grant Lake, Central Noble FFA Chapter
Grant is always in his repair shop. Owning and operating Lake’s Lube and Tune, he provides maintenance and repair on outdoor power equipment for a customer base of seventy people.
Star Farmer – Owen Knight, North Miami FFA Chapter
Owen grew up on a grain and livestock farm, he has a deep love for agriculture. Raising dairy feeder steers from three to five days old to a weight of around 550 pounds before selling them to a finisher. To have a successful herd, he ensures his calves are dehorned, castrated, implanted, and dewormed in a timely manner.
About the Indiana FFA Association
The Indiana FFA is the largest Career and Technical Student Organization in Indiana with over 14,000 members as part of 230 local FFA chapters across the state. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The Indiana State Department of Agriculture provides leadership and direction for the Indiana FFA as a service to local agricultural education programs. For more information, visit the Indiana FFA webpage at inffa.org.
— Indiana State Department of Agriculture
