NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — Each year, Tennessee FFA recognizes outstanding members whose Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) showcase innovation, leadership and hard work.
Several of this year’s Tennessee FFA State Stars joined Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss the projects that earned them statewide recognition.
Brock Hill of Munford FFA was named State Star in Agricultural Placement, while Sapana Das of Chuckey-Doak FFA earned State Star in Agribusiness
Hill discussed his work in cotton variety trials in West Tennessee. This year, the operation planted 49 cotton varieties and is tracking how each responds to weather, pest pressure a nd other growing conditions.
The program also includes traditional hand breeding, a practice that has become increasingly rare in the cotton industry.
Das discussed her agricultural content creation and social media consulting business, which serves 12 to 14 clients annually.
Through the business, she helps farmers, producers, and agricultural organizations strengthen their online presence and connect with customers.
The program also featured Carter Major of Watertown FFA, Tennessee’s State Star Farmer; Emma Millican of Oakland FFA, the State Star in Agriscience; and Wyatt Erwin of Wilson Central FFA, this year’s State Star Greenhand.
Major discussed growing up in a multi-generation dairy farming family and building his own herd from a handful of animals to more than 100 head.
He also shared his passion for showing dairy cattle, which he has been involved with since childhood.
Millican said her advisors encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and pursue agriscience research.
Over the past four years, she has completed five research projects, many focused on public perceptions of agricultural policy and giving agricultural voices a platform.
She said one of the biggest lessons she has learned is the importance of amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.
Erwin discussed his family’s registered show goat operation and the role it has played in his agricultural experience.
He said his involvement in FFA began at an early age through his family’s connection to the organization.
All five students were recognized for the success of their SAE programs and their contributions to Tennessee agriculture.
