Madelyn Ruster is looking ahead to an exceptionally bright future, a testament to hard work, dedication and passion that defines exceptional FFA members. As a finalist for the 2025 Michigan FFA Star in Placement Award, she has spent seven transformative years working alongside her family at Maple Valley Hay and Beef, where her journey is defined, not only by her labor on the farm, but also her finesse when working with customers.

While working alongside her father, grandparents and sisters, Madelyn has immersed herself in the world of agriculture. Her multifaceted Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) reflects her growth and adaptability, as she started out with hands-on work in the fields. Transporting round and square bales, baling hay and loading trucks were just the beginning. The tractor became her classroom, teaching her invaluable lessons about teamwork and leadership as she learned to coordinate with family members to accomplish tasks efficiently.

As her skills developed, Madelyn exhibited an entrepreneurial spirit that led her to transition into sales and management for the farm’s 200 acres of hay and its herd of grass-fed Angus beef cattle. This shift not only highlights her extensive agricultural knowledge, but her people-first communication skills. Now, she ensures that her customers receive the finest quality equestrian hay, promoting her family’s hard work while forging meaningful connections with clients.

In her current role, Madelyn finds joy in interacting face-to-face with customers and guiding them through the process of choosing the right product. Whether she’s giving field tours, managing communications over the phone and social media or coordinating pick-up and delivery schedules, there’s never a dull moment. Every action she takes embodies her commitment to both excellence and customer satisfaction, encapsulating what it means to be a dedicated FFA member.

With graduation on the horizon, Madelyn has clear aspirations to further enhance her agricultural knowledge. She plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in Agribusiness Management, aiming for a successful career in grain merchandising. This pathway will allow her to combine her passion for agriculture with her practical experience, ensuring she continues to thrive in the field she loves.

Just days away from awarding the Michigan FFA Star in Placement Award, it’s time to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the three finalists: Grant Guza from the Ubly FFA Chapter, Madelyn Ruster from the Coopersville FFA Chapter and Brayden Bultema of the Montague FFA Chapter. Together, they exemplify the best of what our future leaders can accomplish.

As we celebrate Madelyn and her fellow finalists, let’s remember the importance of investing in future leaders like them. Please consider supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation.