June 12, 2025

Star in Agriscience

By Martha Blum
Kade Boatman evaluates a Hereford calf for his project that is focused on finding heritability patterns with the scur gene.

Kade Boatman evaluates a Hereford calf for his project that is focused on finding heritability patterns with the scur gene. (Provided photo)

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

Kade Boatman

District: 1

Chapter: Byron

FFA Advisers: Eric Tryggestad and Maggie Folk

Parents: Tom and Tammy Boatman

SAE Project: For his research project, Kade Boatman evaluated 85 Hereford calves to look for heritability patterns with the scur gene. His data showed that animals with the nub trait are more likely to pass the scur gene onto the next generation. Boatman plans to continue his project to design a DNA test for the gene to improve his herd and the Hereford breed.

Sarah Parker checks on corn plants for her FFA project where she is evaluating two hybrids at various populations to identify the highest and most consistent yielding hybrid.

Sarah Parker checks on corn plants for her FFA project where she is evaluating two hybrids at various populations to identify the highest and most consistent yielding hybrid. (Provided photo)

Sarah Parker

District: 2

Chapter: Dwight

FFA Adviser: Sid Krople

Parents: Dan and Erika Parker

SAE Project: Sarah Parker evaluated two corn hybrids at various populations to determine the highest and most consistent yielding hybrid and population combination. She scouted the field during the growing season for weed, insect and disease pressure and after harvesting the ears she used visual and numerical strategies to evaluate the hybrids and populations.

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Martha Blum

Martha Blum

Field Editor