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 Agriscience is awarded to the FFA member that demonstrates the top agriscience-based supervised agricultural experience, including students who are actively engaged in doing their own research, as well as those students who may be cooperating on research projects with others. The member must demonstrate outstanding achievement, active FFA participation, and an exemplary scholastic record. Let’s hear about the Finalists for 2020-2021 Star In Agriscience!

Allison Hall is from the Montague FFA chapter and is one of the finalists for Star in Agriscience! This past summer, Allison began a club called Nutrition for Female Athletes with the goal to help her friends to compete on her teams and other athletic teams at school eat right. To start her SAE, she asked 40 female athletes at Montague High School to take a short survey after their workouts  with questions like, “Did you eat before your workout?” and, “If you ate, what food group did it come from?” With this information, Allison developed a total of three workshops that focused on snacking and recovery foods. We asked Allison why she picked this SAE and she responded, “I chose this SAE because two of my biggest passions are helping people and everything to do with nutrition and exercise. Throughout this process, I got to spend a lot of time doing both of those things.” Congratulations Allison on being named a  Star Finalist in Agriscience!

Jacie King from the Centreville FFA chapter is another finalist for Star in Agriscience! Jacie’s SAE is studying three different Social System projects, the first two focusing on FFA and ag teacher’s confidence and the third on FFA Student Mental Health and the effects of FFA contests and leadership responsibilities. We asked Jacie about what her favorite part of her SAE was. She responded, “My absolute favorite part of my SAE was competing in the National Agriscience Fair at the National Convention. My first time competing there was my ninth grade year. I met so many people from different states. It was such a neat experience and kept me motivated through the next few years as my life got busier. I think that every student who has a great experience early in their FFA career is more likely to continue in the organization and be motivated to grow and develop.” Congratulations Jacie on being selected as a Star Finalist in Agriscience!

Shannon Rossman from the Jonesville FFA chapter is the last finalist for the area of Agriscience. Shannon’s SAE is focused on swine and observing issues or inefficiencies within her family farm’s swine herd. With her observations, she conducts research and experiments to determine a solution or more efficient outcome for the complications. We asked Shannon what skills she has gained from her SAE and she responded, “I have gained numerous skills through my SAE. From proper swine production and management methods to experimental laboratory procedures and techniques, and even being able to ensure the overall health and wellness of my swine herd. I can also efficiently write a research paper in the proper format as well as follow the scientific method correctly. Being very fluent in these skills, I am often found passing on my knowledge to other FFA members and helping them with their research projects.” Shannon, congratulations on being named a Star Finalist in Agriscience!

We are very proud of the Agriscience finalists and cannot wait to see their projects 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 Agriscience award ceremony. Tune in on the Michigan FFA Association Facebook page!

Written by Sarah Albrecht, State Secretary