Four students have been awarded the National FFA Organization’s highest honor, the American Star Awards.
The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding skills and competencies by completing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
Tessa Tauke of Iowa has been named the American Star in Agriscience.
Tauke has completed five research projects ranging from black walnut toxicity, welding exposure, and bovine ringworm treatments to help address a variety of agricultural issues.
“I always loved animals growing up,” she says. “Being able to see the day-to-day as they do the diagnostics, they find the solution, and they get to solve a problem. It perfectly summed up into what I wanted to do, so as soon as I saw that, it was that final piece of the puzzle.”
She says her SAE has helped prepare her discover her love for veterinary science.
Jaron Black of Illinois is the American Star in Agricultural Placement.
He operates Black Farms where he progressed from cleaning and moving equipment to managing repairs and applying fertilizer.
“I’m a third generation FFA member and a fifth-generation farmer,” he says. “My SAE has really helped me grow my love for trucking and the family farm.”
Black says he hopes to continue to expand the family operation in the future.
Jose Yepez of Texas is this year’s American Star in Agribusiness.
He originally launched Yepez Signature Landscape to help fund his college tuition and has grown it into a full outdoor services company with four full‑time employees.
Yepez says he encourages FFA members to stay curious.
Cooper Kline of Oklahoma is the 2026 American Star Farmer.
He owns Kline Swine and Kline Swine Sires. He grew his operation from two to 28 sows. Additionally, he collects fresh semen from his boars to help him expand his customer base.
Kline says his SAE experiences have helped him mentor the next generation of agriculture.
Bayer, Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, Rabobank and Syngenta sponsor the American Star Awards.
