Congratulations to the 2023 American Star Award winners on their extraordinary supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) and noteworthy leadership, FFA involvement and academic achievement. Here, they share lessons learned and advice for other FFA members.
Daniel Jossund, 2023 American Star Farmer
A member of Ada-Borup-West FFA Chapter, Daniel Jossund is no stranger to operating heavy machinery and handling winter weather. In addition to offering snow removal services, he raises sugar beets, corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa on his family’s farm in Minnesota. Jossund also bales straw and alfalfa, and he plans to expand his farming operation upon graduating from North Dakota State University with a degree in agribusiness.
His advice for FFA members interested in starting their own SAE is to persevere. “That’s what I always tell myself when I’m out in the field and stuff isn’t going right…‘Oh, I hate this,’” he says. “Then I think there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.”
Lainey Hutchison, 2023 American Star in Agribusiness
Horses are a way of life for Lainey Hutchison; she began riding at age 3 and competing in rodeos at age 7. Through her equine entrepreneurship SAE, the Crockett County FFA member from Tennessee teaches riding lessons and hosts youth farm camps. After earning her farm and ranch management degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Hutchison plans to incorporate new ideas into her business, including retreats and birthday parties hosted on her family’s farm.
Hutchison encourages FFA members to chase their passions. “I found something I loved, and I made a business out of it,” she says. “Without my SAE and FFA, I wouldn’t have been able to showcase my independence as a woman in agriculture.”
Whitney Glazier, 2023 American Star in Agricultural Placement
Whitney Glazier might be small in stature, but she’s big on farming. The Lomega FFA member from Oklahoma grows crops, conducts plant science research at Oklahoma State University’s (OSU) agronomy station and has worked at a veterinary clinic as part of her SAE. Looking ahead, she plans to graduate from OSU’s veterinary school and open her own clinic, in addition to continuing to help on her family’s farm when she can.
Through her SAEs, Glazier learned the importance of asking for help — something she hopes other FFA members will do, too. “Knowing you can have people in your corner who are willing to do anything to help you…is second to none,” she says.
George Frees, 2023 American Star in Agriscience
As a Cass Career Center FFA member, George Frees’ agriscience SAE enabled him to combine his interests in sugarcane cultivation and environmental stewardship. As a current student at the University of Missouri double majoring in biochemistry and plant sciences, he continues to conduct crop science research in four labs and serves as the campus beekeeper. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he hopes to continue his education and pursue a career in ethnobotany.
When reflecting on his time as an FFA member, Frees says his involvement greatly impacted the trajectory of his life. “I wouldn’t have gotten the scholarship I hold and had all the opportunities for research that I take part in now without FFA,” he says.
Biographies written by Kyle Hampel and Dene Dryden
