As the president of the Niles FFA Chapter, Drew George’s journey from sheep enthusiast to a finalist for the Michigan FFA Star in Production Award is nothing short of extraordinary.

Drew’s love affair with sheep began six years ago, and since then, he has nurtured and expanded his flock of registered Southdown sheep with unwavering commitment. What started with 20 ewes during his freshman year has blossomed into a flock of 45 mature ewes, along with 10 replacement ewes and three rams, all managed by Drew himself.

Through his keen eye for livestock selection and diligent pedigree study, Drew has garnered national recognition in the show ring. In 2023, he achieved a feat unheard of in the history of the Southdown breed, showcasing the grand champion ram and ewe at both the National Southdown Junior Show and the National Open Show at the North American International Livestock Expo.

But Drew’s journey extends beyond the show ring. His focus lies in producing high-quality seedstock for other sheep breeders and marketing show lambs for junior exhibitors. Through strategic business partnerships and managing donor ewes for breeders across the country, Drew has carved a niche for himself in the agricultural industry.

Yet for Drew, the biggest reward isn’t the awards or acclaim. “Teamwork is a critical lesson that I have learned through FFA and my SAE in sheep production. Raising and showing sheep is rarely an individual endeavor, I love the collective effort in preparing for shows, sharing knowledge and supporting one another,” Drew explains. “Competing on FFA leadership teams and serving on chapter officer teams has taught me the strength that comes from working together toward a common goal.”

Outside of his SAE, Drew’s commitment to community engagement shines bright. As a counselor for YGB Livestock Camps, he mentors aspiring sheep showmen, imparting his knowledge and passion for agriculture to the next generation.

“Drew is a very special young man who possesses a unique combination of leadership and personal skills that make him an outstanding FFA member and sheep producer. I admire Drew’s ability to network with other FFA members and sheep producers from across the country,” FFA Advisor Cheryl Rogers shares. “I have had the opportunity to watch Drew become a confident young man, who knows the value of working with a team and the importance of gaining a deep understanding of agriculture. And Drew’s ability to teach and encourage younger exhibitors how to raise and show sheep is so gratifying as his advisor.”

As Drew looks towards the future, his aspirations remain as grand as his accomplishments. He plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College before transferring to a four-year university to pursue a degree in agribusiness management.

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 Abby Thelen from the Ovid-Elsie FFA Chapter. These outstanding individuals embody the spirit of hard work, dedication and excellence that defines FFA.

Cheers to Drew’s accomplishments and bright future! Please consider investing in the future of outstanding students like Drew by supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation.