Arkansas FFA member Carlton Patton made history 95 years ago, in 1929, when he became the first Star Farmer of America. Ten years later, in 1939, identical twins Albert and Arthur Lacey of Hondo, Texas, became the only FFA members to ever share the title of Star Farmer of America. This award, which was sponsored by the Kansas City Star until 1949, is one of the first awards created by FFA.
Now known as the American Star Awards program, it’s considered one of the highest achievements an FFA member can obtain. Each year during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, FFA recognizes member who possess exemplary supervised agricultural experiences, in addition to outstanding leadership, extensive FFA involvement and noteworthy academic achievement.
The above photo highlights two American Star Award winners from the past. They are Kevin Holtzinger (left), the 1979 American Star Farmer, and Robert Lovelace, the 1979 Star in Agribusiness. For more information on the American Star Awards program, visit ffa.org/participate/awards/american-star-awards/.
Photo courtesy of IUPUI.
