Natoma FFA member Ethan Dickerson was recognized as the State Star Farmer, one of the association’s top honors, during the 91st Kansas FFA Convention, May 29–31, 2019, on the Kansas State University campus.

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.

Dickerson’s SAE is in Beef Production Entrepreneurship. During his SAE experience, he learned new methods and technologies to improve his farm and cattle herd. Dickerson has been able to expand his herd and been actively involved in the selection and breeding process of his cattle. He has also been able to add a new breed of cattle, Red Angus, to his herd. After high school, Dickerson plans to attend Butler County Community College then transfer to K-State to pursue a degree in agribusiness. He wants to return to own and operate his own cattle operation after graduation from college.

Ethan is the son of David and Stephanie Dickerson. His FFA chapter advisor is Jeremy Long.

Dickerson was the district winner in the Northwest District. The other district finalists for the state Star Farmer honor were: East Central District: Robert Phillips, Mission Valley; North Central District: Rylie Volkman, Abilene; Northeast District: Emily Albright, Royal Valley; Southeast District: Ashley Chandler, Neodesha; and Southwest District: Emma McClure, Hugoton.

Photos may be available upon request depending on student availability. Go to flickr.com/ksffa for photos or email [email protected] for assistance.