Abby Thelen, a spirited 17-year-old from the Ovid-Elsie FFA Chapter, is not your average teenager. Her journey from convincing her parents to get her chickens from TSC to becoming a finalist for the Michigan FFA Star in Production Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit.

Abby’s FFA journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Not only has she served as secretary within her chapter, but she has also showcased her talents by clinching top-three positions at the state level in the Agricultural Issues and Veterinary Science contests.

But Abby’s story isn’t just about accolades; it’s about grit and determination. Despite not growing up on a farm, she plunged headfirst into agriculture, starting her Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) from scratch. From building her own facilities to managing her herd, Abby has learned the value of hard work and independence at a young age.

“Within my short amount of time in FFA, I’ve grown tremendously in many areas, but especially when it comes to public speaking, interviewing, and leadership skills,” Abby reflects. “Without this organization and the invaluable experiences that come from it, I wouldn’t be half the person I am today.”

Her main source of revenue stems from selling feeder steers and hogs, a business she has diligently nurtured over the years. What started as selling freezer beef has now expanded to include freezer pork, as Abby takes pride in providing quality meat products to her local community.

Abby’s journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the unwavering support of her FFA Advisor Tracey Hoffman. “Since coming to Ovid-Elsie in fall of 2022 as a dual enrollment student from St. Johns, Abby seized every opportunity available to her. And she hasn’t slowed down! She’s attended state and national level events and is serving as a chapter officer. With her passion for agriculture and the demonstration of leadership skills, I know she will be successful in any endeavor she chooses. The entire Ovid-Elsie program is thankful to have Abby,” Hoffman beams.

As Abby looks toward the future, she plans to pursue her education at Michigan State University’s livestock production program, with aspirations to transfer into the animal science bachelor’s program. Her ultimate goal? To continue growing her business and making a lasting impact in the agricultural industry.

Just days away from awarding the Michigan FFA Star in Production Award, it’s time to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the three finalists: Drew George from the Niles FFA Chapter, Adyson Naebeck from the Saline FFA Chapter and, of course, Abby Thelen from the Ovid-Elsie FFA Chapter. These remarkable individuals embody the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines FFA.

In closing, Abby’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. As we celebrate Abby’s accomplishments, consider investing in the future of students like her by supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation. Together, we can cultivate the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond.