GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected four student members as finalists for the highly coveted Star Greenhand Degree, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named.
The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star Greenhand winner is:
Austin Holcomb, Durant FFA
Austin Holcomb, a 5th generation owner of purebred registered dairy cattle, was given his first calf when he was born. Since this time, he has been fully involved with his family’s dairy cattle operation of purebred registered Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds. Over the years, his roles and responsibilities in the operation have changed and increased. In 2018, he created a 50/50 partnership with his father, called Brown Cow LLC which manages the dairy operation. Holcomb says, “My roles and responsibilities in the operation include 3 main areas: Education and Social Media, Replacement Heifer Management and Calf Care, and the Breeding/Reproductive Program.” Holcomb has used their social media page to successfully sell and market 12 registered Guernsey cows. He sets up an educational milking display at 2 major fairs and expos during the year, which allows the general public to come in contact with milking animals, while learning about the dairy industry. In the future he plans to major in Agricultural Engineering and pursue a career in the agricultural field. He is a member of the Durant FFA Chapter and his advisors are Tim Cribbs, Thomas Sturgis and Brittany Coleman. Congratulations Austin on being named the 2020 State Star Greenhand!
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION
Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.
During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.
The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.
THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION
Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.
THE FFA MISSION
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.
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