By Sophia Barnum, Michigan FFA Foundation Intern
Mariam Shupe is a 17-year-old student from the Laker FFA Chapter whose dedication to beef production has grown into a thriving agricultural operation. As a finalist for the Michigan FFA Star in Production Award, Mariam has built a successful Supervised Agricultural Experience rooted in responsibility, recordkeeping and a deep love for cattle.
Mariam owns and operates M Shupe Farms, where she has expanded her beef herd from just two head in 2022 to 15 head at the end of 2025. What began as a passion project quickly became a long-term investment in her future and her goal of one day returning to the family farm. “FFA has helped me become a better leader by giving me more confidence, especially with public speaking, and it opened up a world of opportunities for me and my business of beef production,” Mariam shared.
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She is responsible for every aspect of herd management, including daily feeding, bedding, health monitoring and biosecurity. Mariam understands the importance of proactive care, regularly disinfecting pens and maintaining clean, dry environments to protect herd health. One of the biggest challenges she has faced is managing illness or injury, but those moments have become valuable learning opportunities. One of her proudest accomplishments was successfully diagnosing and rehabilitating a lame cow by identifying the issue early and returning the animal to production.
Recordkeeping plays a vital role in the success of M Shupe Farms. Mariam documents daily animal care, feeding and vaccinations while also monitoring cattle markets to determine the best times to buy and sell. Through her SAE, she has seen her responsibility grow significantly. “I am still becoming a more responsible and efficient business owner every day,” she said.
Mariam encourages other FFA members to take chances and step outside their comfort zones. “Even when you feel nervous to start something new, go for it and make your dreams happen. There is a world of opportunities, so take your shot,” she advised. Looking ahead, Mariam plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management. She credits FFA and her SAE with confirming her career path, noting that agriculture does not feel like work because it is something she truly loves.
The Michigan FFA Star in Production Award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence through hands-on agricultural production, and Mariam exemplifies those qualities. She will be recognized as a finalist at the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention, held March 4–6, 2026, on the campus of Michigan State University alongside fellow finalists Addison Dahms from Ionia and Carter VanAkin from the Branch Area Career Center.
Mariam Shupe’s journey shows the impact of dedication and leadership in shaping the future of agriculture. You can help students like her achieve their potential by investing in the Michigan FFA Foundation.
To learn more and subscribe to the Michigan FFA email list, click here.
