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NILES — A Niles student was recognized at the state level last week for his agricultural prowess.

Drew George of the Niles FFA Chapter was announced as the 2024 Michigan FFA Star in Agricultural Production during the 96th Michigan FFA Convention held on February 29 at the Wharton Center in East Lansing.

The Star in Agricultural Production Award celebrates FFA members who exhibit outstanding proficiency and efficiency in managing agricultural enterprises and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.

Drew’s passion for sheep production has flourished over the past six years, during which he has nurtured and expanded his flock of registered Southdown sheep. Beginning with 20 ewes during his freshman year, Drew now oversees a flock of 45 mature ewes, 10 replacement ewes and three rams. His keen eye for livestock selection and diligent pedigree study has earned him national recognition in the show ring, culminating in grand champion titles at prestigious events such as the National Southdown Junior Show and the National Open Show at the North American International Livestock Expo in 2023.

Reflecting on his journey, Drew shared, “Teamwork is a critical lesson that I have learned through FFA and my SAE in sheep production. Raising and showing sheep is rarely an individual endeavor. I love the collective effort in preparing for shows, sharing knowledge and supporting one another.”

Drew’s Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor Cheryl Rogers commended his exceptional leadership and personal skills, stating, “Drew is a very special young man who possesses a unique combination of leadership and personal skills that make him an outstanding FFA member and sheep producer. I admire Drew’s ability to network with other FFA members and sheep producers from across the country. And Drew’s ability to teach and encourage younger exhibitors how to raise and show sheep is so gratifying as his advisor.”

Drew’s selection for this prestigious award followed a comprehensive evaluation process, including an extensive application and balance sheet, farm visit, advisor and administrator interviews and a personal interview.

The other finalists for Michigan FFA Star in Agricultural Production were Adyson Naebeck from the Saline FFA Chapter and Abby Thelen from the Ovid-Elsie FFA Chapter, each demonstrating remarkable dedication and achievements in agricultural production.

The 2024 Michigan FFA Star in Agricultural Production Award is generously sponsored by GreenStone Farm Credit Services. GreenStone Farm Credit Services is one of America’s largest rural lenders. Headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, GreenStone is the country’s seventh largest association in the Farm Credit System. GreenStone owns and manages $14 billion in assets and serves over 28,000 members with 35 branches throughout Michigan and northeast Wisconsin.

The Niles Agricultural Business Team also took home first place honors at the convention. Teams participating in Agricultural Issues consist of three to seven FFA members where they perform a skit detailing an agricultural issue. These skits are between ten and fifteen minutes in length and allow students to showcase their creativity in props, dialog, as well as knowledge.

The team will will have the opportunity to compete at the FFA National Convention to be held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis, Indiana.