COOKEVILLE, TN—Erin Wakefield of the Fayetteville City Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter is Tennessee FFA’s 2017 Star in Agriscience sponsored by Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Bureau Health Plans and Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee. The Star in Agriscience is considered one of the highest awards in the state bestowed on an FFA member. Star recognition is awarded to the top students in five areas who best demonstrate superior Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, a requirement for all FFA members. Her SAE project is plant systems research.
Erin designed her own scientific experiments, including one that determined the best soil combination suited for philodendron growth. Erin was an active FFA member, serving as her chapter president and was involved in numerous career development events. She plans to attend Tennessee Tech University and pursue a career in the science and health industry.
For her achievement, Erin was selected to participate in the weeklong 3rd Annual Tennessee FFA Star Tour presented by Farm Credit Mid-America. The Tennessee FFA Star Tour offers the Stars a platform to share the work from their agricultural projects with supporters across Tennessee. The tour began in Nashville where the stars planned their presentation for the week. From there, the Stars presented at a luncheon for the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture (SASDA). They also attended a Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation reception in Cookeville where they met both the Tennessee and American Farm Bureau Presidents. Finishing off the first night, the Stars made a stop at Tennessee FFA Leadership Training Camp in Doyle to make their presentation before fellow FFA members.
Day two included a breakfast with Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) in Cookeville where the Stars met several FCMA leaders, as well as government leaders. Next, they visited Little Creek Produce and rounded out their time in Cookeville with a presentation at the Noon Rotary Club. Later that day, the Stars met former American Star Farmer and past Tennessee FFA State President, Joe Moore at his farm in Granville before traveling to Memphis.
Days three and four were spent in West Tennessee as the Stars toured Graceland, visited and toured Thompson Machinery and stopped at Star Farmer Catherine Turner’s farm (Turner Angus
Farm) for a Star Farmer Reception. Plus, the group visited Century Farm Winery in Jackson and Tosh Farms in Henry to conclude the tour where owner Jimmy Tosh and sons Jamey and Jonathan Tosh spent time with the Stars.
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 649,355 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of 14,084 members from 214 high school chapters, 7 middle school chapters, and 8 collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee.
(Photo 1 Caption: Erin Wakefield of the Fayetteville City FFA chapter accepts her Tennessee FFA State Star in Agriscience award sponsored by the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation and Service Companies.)
(Photo 2 Caption: Erin Wakefield of the Fayetteville City FFA presents before an audience of fellow FFA members attending FFA Camp Clements during the Third Annual Tennessee FFA Star Tour.)