Iola FFA member Levi Meiwes was recognized as the State Star Farmer, one of the association’s top honors, during the virtual 92nd Kansas FFA Convention, May 27–29, 2020.

Each year, the Kansas FFA Association recognizes three FFA members who have the top Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs with the Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness, and Star in Ag Placement awards. The Star competitions are sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, United Bank, and Trust and Kansas Farm Bureau.

Meiwes’ SAE is in Poultry Production. During his SAE experience, he expanded and grew his poultry operation to become officially licensed as Meiwes Poultry Farm. Meiwes has gained valuable knowledge related to successful poultry production, including research on proper nutrition, design of ideal watering systems, and breed selection. 

Levi is the son of Paul and Becky Meiwes. His FFA chapter advisor is Amanda Strickler. Meiwes was the district winner in the Southeast District. The other district finalists for the state Star Farmer honor were: East Central District: William Blythe, Mission Valley; North Central District: Will Johnson, Blue Valley; Northeast District: Andrew Wege, Jackson Heights; Northwest District: Mason Schulz, Norton; and Southwest District: Jacob Bell, Hugoton.