Star in Agribusiness finalists

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

The following FFA members have developed award-winning projects.

Caleb Wagner

District: 1

Chapter: Mercer County

FFA Advisers: Aaron Heartt, Brandon Livingston and Hannah Libby

Parents: Scott and Julie Wagner

SAE Project: Caleb Wagner raises and sells Labrador retriever puppies through his Centennial Farm Labradors business. The FFA member currently has six females and three male Labradors. Some of the duties working with his dogs include helping the mothers give birth, tying off the umbilical cords and cleaning both indoor and outdoor pens. Wagner also spends time socializing the puppies every day.

J Beto

District: 2

Chapter: Normal

FFA Advisers: Liz Harris and Mackenzie Kraft

Parents: Juan Beto and Oralia Hernandez

SAE Project: Through her business, Owl Help You, J Beto provides educational resources to agricultural teachers across the country. Beto has created and marketed over 300 items such as food science aroma kits, reading strategy wheels and CASE workbooks to teachers in 18 states. The Star finalist has over 60 customers and during the past two years she hired seven employees and has focused on improving her managerial skills.

Sayde Hogg

District: 3

Chapter: Highland

FFA Advisers: Claire Geiger, Jenna Offerman and Alex Johannes

Parents: Shawn and Shannon Hogg

SAE Project: Inspired by her sister, Sayde Hogg started her business, Sayde’s Scents. The FFA member creates and sells soy wax candles and car freshies. Her business has been supported by many community members during her four years of operation.

Logan Dick

District: 4

Chapter: Paris

FFA Advisers: Anna Shupe and Kiarra Englum

Parents: Jarod and Ashley Dick

SAE Project: Six years ago, Logan Dick launched Dick’s Lawn Service by mowing for six to eight customers. He began with a 48-inch zero-turn mower and has increased his services to a complete variety of landscaping jobs for his customers. Recently, he started to offer excavation services and through advertising on Facebook he has boosted his clients over 132% since he started his company. Dick is responsible for the marketing, financing and operations of his business.

Ty Robison

District: 5

Chapter: Goreville

FFA Adviser: Jeffrey Robison

Parents: Jeffrey and Allison Robison

SAE Project: Ty Robison owns and operates Stars and Stripes Lawn Care and he has one employee. The Star finalist utilizes two mowers, two weed eaters, a trailer and dump trailer for his business and he has access to rent a skid steer when necessary. Robison specializes in lawn care, installation and removal of landscapes, yard beautification and water drainage solutions. He mows 35 yards and one homeowner’s association and he also provides landscape excavating.