Dylan Bailey, an 18-year-old member of the Montague FFA Chapter, has developed a strong foundation in professionalism, communication and responsibility through his Supervised Agricultural Experience in agricultural sales. As a Michigan FFA Star Finalist in Placement, Dylan’s journey highlights how hands-on workplace learning can shape both career goals and lifelong skills.
Through FFA, Dylan gained experience across a wide range of agricultural areas while building confidence in himself and his abilities. “FFA has given me the opportunity to build my skills and knowledge on various different agricultural categories,” he shared. Just as important, the organization helped him grow personally and professionally. “FFA has given me the confidence to speak and conduct myself in a professional way,” Dylan said. Along the way, he developed vital social skills that will stay with him for life, including clear communication, conflict resolution and active listening.
Dylan’s placement journey began in eighth grade at his uncle’s operation, Larsen Farms, where he first became involved in agricultural sales. Working at the farm’s sweet corn stand, he was responsible for picking corn in the mornings, stocking the stand and assisting with deliveries. That early experience introduced him to customer service and taught him the importance of being dependable and detail-oriented.
He later continued building his sales experience at Cedar Brook Farms, a local Montague operation. There, Dylan baled straw and made deliveries to other farmers in the area. Each role reinforced the golden rule of his SAE. “The biggest lesson I have learned is that attention to detail matters,” Dylan explained. He discovered that focusing on the details in any task leads to greater professionalism and creates opportunities for growth in all areas of life.
Dylan’s most advanced placement experience has been at The Silver Lake Chicken Shack in Mears, where he currently works and serves as the establishment’s head cook. This role requires leadership, consistency and strong communication. One of Dylan’s proudest accomplishments came when he proposed the idea of using sweet corn from Larsen Farms at the Chicken Shack. By connecting the two businesses, he experienced a meaningful full-circle moment
that demonstrated initiative, problem-solving and relationship building within agriculture.
Reflecting on his SAE journey, Dylan encourages other FFA members to remain committed and organized. “My biggest piece of advice I can give is just to stick with it and keep good records for your SAE,” he said. He emphasized that good record keeping makes completing applications far easier and allows members to clearly see their growth over time.
Dylan’s placement experiences have directly influenced his future plans. “My SAE has influenced me to pursue a career in mechanical engineering,” he shared, explaining that his work sparked an interest in figuring out how things work and understanding the mechanics behind them.
The Michigan FFA Star in Placement Award recognizes students who excel through workplace learning and skill development. He will be recognized as a finalist for this award alongside other finalists Griffin Messing of Ubly and Barrett Yoho of Owosso at the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention, held March 4 to 6, 2026, on the campus of Michigan State University.
Congratulations to Dylan Bailey, Star Finalist in Placement. His story is a strong example of how FFA and supervised agricultural experiences prepare students with the skills, confidence and direction needed for success beyond high school.
As we recognize Dylan’s accomplishments as a Star Finalist, we are reminded of the powerful impact FFA can have on young leaders. By supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation, you help provide opportunities for students like Dylan to develop their skills, pursue their goals and build futures that positively impact their communities.
To learn more and subscribe to the Michigan FFA email list, click here.
