Meet the Finalists: Star in Agribusiness

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — These five students have been selected district winners for the Star in Agribusiness award after an extensive process of evaluating the students and their record books.

Winners will be announced during the Stars Over Illinois ceremony during the 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention, set for June 9-11 at Bank of Springfield Center.

Brayden Zissler

District: 1

Chapter: Pecatonica

FFA Advisers: Adrianne Hall and Celia Langley

Parents: Douglas and Kristin Zissler

SAE Project: Brayden Zissler is the owner and operator of Zissler Lawn Care, where he has provided services for over 50 clients. In addition to labor, he is responsible for all management duties including advertising, customer communication, record keeping, equipment maintenance, time management and financial management.

Maelee Heinsohn

District: 2

Chapter: Hiawatha

FFA Adviser: Joshua Dodge

Parents: Jeff and Bona Heinsohn

SAE Project: In 2024, Maelee Heinsohn started MG Genetics Show Boarding, a boarding facility for show heifers. The Hiawatha FFA member manages the heifers’ feeding rations, oversees their daily care and gets them ready for shows by washing, clipping and fitting them.

Bryson Stickler

District: 3

Chapter: Pleasant Plains

FFA Advisers: Morgan Nelson and Aaron Gilbreth

Parents: Michael and Amy Stickler

SAE Project: Bryson Stickler owns and operates two agricultural businesses where he does aerial photography and farm use equipment detailing. He uses a drone for photography, field mapping and crop scouting. The Pleasant Plains FFA member has over 114 different customers where he has done power washing, detailing, waxing, scratch removal, buffing, ceramic applications and aluminum polishing for trucks, farm equipment and livestock trailers.

Kolton Wiley

District: 4

Chapter: Sullivan

FFA Adviser: Alex Tungate

Parents: Kory and Tonya Wiley

SAE Project: Kolton Wiley owns Kolton Wiley Paint Correction which specializes in cleaning, paint restoration and ceramic coating for agricultural equipment. This service helps to protect tractors, planters, combines and sprayers from corrosion, chemicals, oxidation and everyday wear to help farmers extend the life and value of their equipment. Wiley supervises employees and manages scheduling, marketing, finances and customer relationships.

Tyler Lingle

District: 5

Chapter: Goreville

FFA Adviser: Jeff Robison

Parents: Justin and Lucille Lingle

SAE Project: During his sophomore year, Tyler Lingle started Lingle Lawn Care LLC to assist people in Johnson and Williamson counties with their lawn maintenance needs. He regularly maintains 66 properties with the help of a part-time employee. His goal is to never leave a customer dissatisfied and he plans to continue to grow his business by adding more accounts.