Every year, the Michigan FFA recognizes members who go above and beyond in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences, or SAE’s, by awarding the Star in Agribusiness, Star in Agriscience, Star in Agricultural Placement, and Star Farmer. Finalists in these categories have learned important lessons in production, management, research, finance, and record keeping. Annually, the Star in Agribusiness award is presented to the member with the top nonproduction agribusiness SAE in the state of Michigan. Members must demonstrate outstanding achievement, active FFA participation, and exemplary record keeping. Keep reading to hear about the 2021 finalists in the Star in Agribusiness category!
Anna Anderson is from the Montague FFA chapter and is one of the finalists for Star in Agribusiness. Her SAE, called “Arrangements by Anna,” started when Anna asked her agriscience teacher for SAE ideas. Anna creates seasonal floral arrangements and sells them in the White Lake area. We asked Anna what skills she has gained while working on her SAE. She responded, “Through my SAE I’ve definitely grown as a person. I used to be very shy and this has helped me step out of my comfort zone, but on my own terms. I’ve had to reach out to other businesses to buy flowers as well as have conversations with customers, which I normally wouldn’t do. When I started, I had no idea about floral arranging or anything really! Now I’m able to do everything on my own without the resources of others.” Congratulations Anna on being named a Star Finalist in the area of Agribusiness!
Trevor Block from the Ravenna FFA chapter is another Star Finalist in the area of Agribusiness because of his SAE, T-Rev’s Repair. Trevor earned an SAE grant from National FFA to help start his business. He was able to take skills from previous SAE’s to begin his repair business. Due to the stay at home order, Trevor was able to dedicate a lot of time to jump starting his business. Trevor repairs everything from tractors, to small engines, and lawn equipment. Trevor started his business by doing repairs for people he knew. When word spread of his good work, he gained additional customers. We asked Trevor what his favorite part of his SAE was, and he said, “My favorite part is being able to work on all kinds of equipment and machines and getting to talk to all of my customers and hear their stories.” Congratulations Trevor on being selected as a Star Finalist in the Agribusiness category!
Ashlyn Nichols, from the Montague FFA chapter, is the third Star Finalist in the area of Agribusiness. Ashlyn put together two of her passions, knitting and helping those around her, to create her SAE. Last year, Ashlyn competed in the Demonstration Leadership Development Event, which she grew into a school club. From there, it became a business. Ashlyn makes scarves, headbands, and other knitted items. A unique aspect of her SAE is how she gives back to the community. Ashlyn puts most of her profits back into buying materials so she can donate knitted items to the Muskegon Area Rescue Mission. We interviewed Ashlyn and asked her why she chose this SAE, and she responded, “I have a huge passion for helping others and giving back to my community. My business not only makes good profit, but I can do what I love and that is helping others. Plus, I love teaching others the history of knitting and how it can change lives.” Congratulations Ashlyn for being named a Star Finalist in the area of Agribusiness!
We are very proud of the Agribusiness finalists and cannot wait to see their businesses continue to develop. Be sure to join us for the 93rd Michigan FFA State Convention the week of April 19, 2021, to watch the Star in Agribusiness award ceremony. Tune in on the Michigan FFA Association Facebook page!
Written by Sarah Albrecht, State Secretary
