Two students recently won prestigious FFA Greenhand Star awards in recognition of their contributions to agriculture.
There are only three Greenhand Star awards given within each district: Agribusiness, Farming and Ag Placement.
Sophomore Cooper Burling won the FFA East Central District Greenhand Star Agribusiness award while sophomore Kynlee Dressler received a Greenhand Star Farming award.
FFA adviser Mandi Holsten said she’s proud of her students for winning two of the three awards.
Holsten said the Greenhand Star award is for younger high school students. As they reach the junior and senior levels, there are more Star awards that students can receive for their agricultural experiences.
“It’s really hard work for them to put in to get this award. For them to be recognized, it’s great,” Holsten said. “It’s hard to even put into words.”
Burling said it was exciting to get the recognition. He won the award because of his work in his family’s feed store, B4 Livestock and Supply.
He’s kept all of the records and receipts of the store’s customers since his freshman year to show he has completed a supervised agricultural experience, a requirement for receiving the award.
Although Burling’s agricultural experience started his freshman year, he has been working in the feed store for four years.
“I own part of it, my brother owns part of it and my parents own a giant part of it. I really just help run it,” Burling said.
Dressler received her award for working with her market steer, Bo. She ensures the steer’s hair coat is taken care of, works on his showmanship and makes sure he is fed on a daily basis.
“It was nice to see all the hard work pay off,” Dressler said.
Holsten said Dressler has developed her understanding of nutrition and responsibility, as well as building trust with animals.
Dressler’s been involved in agriculture since she started 4-H eight years ago. She sees herself continuing her journey in agriculture even after she graduates.
“I’d love to have a career in ag someday, or something similar,” Dressler said.
Holsten said in order to win the Greenhand Star award, students must have a strong agricultural experience and demonstrate strong leadership.
“An agricultural experience could be anything,” Holsten said. “It’s just going to teach them career skills so whenever they graduate, they have that type of experience.”
Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected].
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