June 12, 2025

Star Farmer

By Martha Blum
Justin Myers moves bales of hay on his farm. The FFA member also makes round bales that he sells to local customers or feeds to his livestock.

Justin Myers moves bales of hay on his farm. The FFA member also makes round bales that he sells to local customers or feeds to his livestock. (Provided photo)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Five district winners for the Star Farmer award will be honored on the stage of the Illinois FFA State Convention.

The following FFA members have developed award-winning projects.

Justin Myers

District: 1

Chapter: Forreston

FFA Adviser: Kelly Parks

Parents: Dave and Gail Myers

SAE Project: Justin Myers grows corn and soybeans with no-till practices and he manages hay acres where he bales small squares and round bales that he sells to local customers or feeds to his livestock. The FFA member buys 600-pound steers and feeds them to market weight and he raises sheep and sells the lambs in the spring. His goal is to be the next generation to operate his family’s farm.

Hannah Miller owns a swine breeding operation, focusing mostly on raising Spots and Tamworths. She shows gilts and barrows at shows across the country.

Hannah Miller owns a swine breeding operation, focusing mostly on raising Spots and Tamworths. She shows gilts and barrows at shows across the country. (Provided photo)

Hannah Miller

District: 2

Chapter: Prairie Central

FFA Advisers: Becky Freed, Kyle Miller, Kylie Miller and Tyson Stork

Parents: Matt and Tammy Miller

SAE Project: The Prairie Central FFA member owns a swine breeding operation that has grown to a herd of 11 purebred and crossbred sows, focusing mostly on Spots and Tamworths. For her sheep project, Miller has three ewes with the goal of producing lambs that she can show or sell to other young exhibitors. She shows her gilts, barrows, market lambs and cattle competitively across the country.

Jonah Elvidge unloads bales for his flock that includes Oxford, Polypay and Southdown sheep that he shows and sells to commercial producers.

Jonah Elvidge unloads bales for his flock that includes Oxford, Polypay and Southdown sheep that he shows and sells to commercial producers. (Provided photo)

Jonah Elvidge

District: 3

Chapter: Lincolnwood

FFA Adviser: Monty Elvidge

Parents: Monty and Nikki Elvidge

SAE Project: For his FFA project, Monty Elvidge raises Oxford, Polypay and Southdown sheep that he shows and sells to commercial producers. As his project has grown, Elvidge’s responsibilities have also increased and he has learned that nothing builds knowledge like working hard and being passionate about his projects. His plan is to attend college to study animal science.

Kade Beckmier shows one of his sheep that he raised from his flock of 39 purebred ewes. His FFA project also includes managing seven acres of hay.

Kade Beckmier shows one of his sheep that he raised from his flock of 39 purebred ewes. His FFA project also includes managing seven acres of hay. (Provided photo)

Kade Beckmier

District: 4

Chapter: Taylorville

FFA Advisers: Megan Beckmier, Sue Schafer and Charlie Dammerman

Parents: Craig and Michelle Beckmier

SAE Project: From his flock of 39 purebred ewes, Kade Beckmier exhibits sheep at shows and sells breeding stock. For his forage production project, he manages seven acres of hay that he grows for livestock feed. He also sells hay to customers in the area. The FFA member focuses on improving the quality of the hay to maximize profit and meet the nutritional needs of his flock.

Shelby Pribble checks on some of her Angus herd that totals 55 animals. Her responsibilities include administering vaccinations and she focuses on keeping accurate records of birth and market dates.

Shelby Pribble checks on some of her Angus herd that totals 55 animals. Her responsibilities include administering vaccinations and she focuses on keeping accurate records of birth and market dates. (Provided photo)

Shelby Pribble

District: 5

Chapter: Goreville

FFA Adviser: Jeff Robison

Parents: Jeremiah and Dana Pribble

SAE Project: Shelby Pribble manages a herd of Angus cattle that totals 55 head. She is responsible for feeding, proper pasture management, health monitoring and breeding management. The FFA member administers annual vaccinations and keeps accurate records of birth and market dates.

Animal WelfareBeefCornFFAHayLambLivestockPorkSheepSoybeansYoung Leaders
Martha Blum

Martha Blum

Field Editor