June 10, 2026

FFA Star finalists develop award-winning projects

Meet the Finalists: Star Farmer

By Martha Blum
Mason Palmer prepares one of his Boer goats at a show, from his herd that includes 19 does.

Mason Palmer prepares one of his Boer goats at a show, from his herd that includes 19 does. (Provided photo/Illinois FFA)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Exceptional FFA members from across the state who have developed extensive Supervised Agricultural Experience projects will be highlighted during the 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention, set for June 9-11.

Winners of the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, Star in Agricultural Placement and Star in Agriscience will be announced during the Stars Over Illinois ceremony at the annual event held at Bank of Springfield Center.

FFA members along with their parents and advisers will be introduced during Session 4 on Wednesday, starting at 2 p.m.

The following five FFA members were selected as district winners for the Star Farmer award.

Mason Palmer

District: 1

Chapter: Cambridge

FFA Advisers: Trent Taber and Haley Gruber

Parents: David and Angie Palmer

SAE Project: Mason Palmer has owned and managed a Boer goat production operation since 2022, where he focuses on both breeding and show stock. He has a herd of 19 does and one buck and he sells goats as show stock, replacements or market animals. The Cambridge FFA member reinvests profits from sales and stud services into improving his operation. He also selects and buys potential show prospects from other breeders to train and show at county fairs, jackpot events and state fair.

Toby Steffen shows an example of the many beautiful flowers that he grows and sells at farmers markets and craft shows.

Toby Steffen shows an example of the many beautiful flowers that he grows and sells at farmers markets and craft shows. (Provided photo/Illinois FFA)

Toby Steffen

District: 2

Chapter: Newark

FFA Adviser: Joe Steffen

Parents: Joe and Tracy Steffen

SAE Project: Toby Steffen grows a variety of crops including chrysanthemums, pumpkins, gourds, broomcorn, Indian corn, cut flowers, gladiolus and vegetables. He is responsible for planting, harvesting and marketing his produce at farmers markets and craft shows, as well as hiring and managing employees. The Newark FFA member exhibits his gladiolus at shows and is cultivating his own varieties for introduction to sell in the near future.

Mitch Armstrong looks at some of the young pigs from his herd that started with four breeding sows and has expanded to 15 females.

Mitch Armstrong looks at some of the young pigs from his herd that started with four breeding sows and has expanded to 15 females. (Provided photo/Illinois FFA)

Mitch Armstrong

District: 3

Chapter: Rushville-Industry

FFA Advisers: Sydney Riden and Tessa Sargeant

Parents: J.R. and Alison Armstrong

SAE Project: Mitch Armstrong manages a herd of Chester White, Spot and Berkshire pigs. He started with four breeding hogs and has expanded his herd to 15 breeding females. The Rushville-Industry FFA member is responsible for all aspects of his SAE project including feeding pigs, cleaning pens and checking the overall health of his herd. He also selects his show pigs and trains them to show at local, state and national competitions.

Ryker Beckmier works with one of his Southdown sheep that he exhibits at national shows and he also sells to customers across the nation.

Ryker Beckmier works with one of his Southdown sheep that he exhibits at national shows and he also sells to customers across the nation. (Provided photo/Illinois FFA)

Ryker Beckmier

District: 4

Chapter: Taylorville

FFA Advisers: Megan Beckmier, Sue Schafer, Charley Dammerman and Thomas Nichols

Parents: Tucker and Megan Beckmier

SAE Project: Ryker Beckmier owns a flock of Southdown sheep and he sells breeding stock to customers across the nation. He also exhibits his sheep at national shows. In addition, the Taylorville FFA member manages 16 acres of hay production and bales square and round bales. The hay that is not fed to his sheep is sold to a regular customer base.

Tony Kistner checks one of his Charolais-Angus cross calves in the chute, from his herd that has grown to 10 cows.

Tony Kistner checks one of his Charolais-Angus cross calves in the chute, from his herd that has grown to 10 cows. (Provided photo/Illinois FFA)

Tony Kistner

District: 5

Chapter: Sesser-Valier

FFA Adviser: Rhett Ellis

Parents: Scott and Angie Kistner

SAE Project: Tony Kistner started his SAE project with two Charolais-Angus cross cows and has grown it to a 10 cow-calf herd. He raises breeding stock for his herd and finishes some of his calves to market weight. The Sesser-Valier FFA member’s project has taught him that hard work, dedication and long hours are needed to be successful in agriculture.

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Martha Blum

Martha Blum

Field Editor