Arp FFA member Reed Thorn was named the 2022 Texas FFA American Star in Farmer.
At the age of eight, when Thorn was old enough to begin showing, his parents gifted two heifers to him. This gift sparked his interest in the cattle industry and became the foundation for his passion for agriculture.
Throughout the years, Thorn has expanded his involvement outside the showring and into the breeding side of the livestock industry. His work breeding cattle by utilizing artificial insemination has led to competitive show cattle sold through breed association consignment sales.
Thorn expanded his operation further by diversifying his livestock breeding into market lambs for the show sheep industry.
2022 Texas FFA American Star in Agribusiness
Ryan Boersma
Union Hill FFA
Union Hill FFA member Ryan Boersma was named the 2022 Texas FFA American Star in Agribusiness.
Boersma began his SAE project his sophomore of high school after wanting to solve a problem of transportation of tire drag equipment from field to field without having to fold them up. His design included metal structure that would mount to the tractor’s 3-point system.
With the assistance from his ag teacher, Robert Stanley, and the parts fabricated at his chapter’s school facilities and his personal shop, Boersma showcased his first model during his junior year. His senior year, a new design implementing a batwing drag covering almost 20 feet attracted agricultural producers interested in purchasing the drag. Boersma’s project he created is unique and is now seeking patents.
Boersma’s SAE project has grown his current business and become a result of his dream of helping farmers and ranchers.