Josh Fruchey of the Blissfield FFA Chapter was announced as the 2024 Michigan FFA Star in Agribusiness during the 96th Michigan FFA Convention held on February 29 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing.
The Star in Agribusiness Award honors FFA members who have demonstrated exceptional skills and innovation in agricultural entrepreneurship. Recipients excel in managing their own agricultural business and contribute significantly to the advancement of the agricultural industry.
Josh’s entrepreneurial journey began with a variety of Supervised Agricultural Experiences, ranging from raising market steers and pigs for the fair to working on his grandparents’ farm. However, it wasn’t until the spring of 2021 that he established his own business – J & G Services. J & G Services sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive range of services, including tree cutting, brush clearing, demolition and gutter cleaning. Josh’s commitment to providing top-notch service and tailored solutions to his customers’ needs has propelled his business’s rapid growth. As his business expands, Josh continues to develop his skills in entrepreneurship, time management, customer service and financial management.
Reflecting on his journey, Josh’s agricultural educator and FFA Advisor, Samantha Buggia, remarked, “Since joining the Blissfield FFA three years ago, Josh has curated his own path! He has been able to zero-in on areas that interested him such as agriculture, business principles, and natural resources. Josh has a tremendous amount of talent and ambition, and through the FFA, he was able to find outlets to develop those qualities and start his own business.”
Josh was selected for this prestigious award following a rigorous evaluation process, including an extensive application and balance sheet, a business visit, advisor and administrator interviews and a personal interview.
The other finalists for Michigan FFA Star in Agribusiness were Makaila Cantrell from Ubly and Jonathon Hoard from Tuscola Tech Center, each demonstrating remarkable dedication and achievements in agribusiness.
The 2024 Michigan FFA Star in Agribusiness Award is generously sponsored by AgroLiquid. AgroLiquid’s commitment to promoting and prospering the agriculture industry spans three generations, four countries and all 50 of the United States. Founded by a father and son-in-law team, AgroLiquid remains a family business both in its ownership and direction with innovative business practices and product lines that will lead the company into the future.
