2026 Kentucky FFA State Star Candidates

Lucy Jeffries, Hart County
Barren River Region

Lucy is the daughter of Tim and Leslie Jeffries of Canmer. Her FFA Advisors are Ashley Thomas and Shaun Murray. Lucy’s SAE began with placement at Davis Bend Farms, where she fed and provided basic care for the cattle herd. Over time she has learned to produce hay, keep production records, administer vaccines, and manage estrous synchronization and artificial insemination for breeding cattle. In 2024, she began working at Green River Meats as a retail clerk. She helped educate and meet the needs of retail customers, answer the phone, manage scheduling, and ensure cleanliness of the facility.

Big Sandy River Region
Ethan Easterling, West Carter

Ethan is the son of Ronnie and Lynn Easterling of Olive Hill. His FFA Advisors are Will Davis and Justin Smith. Ethan’s placement is with James Do It Best Hardware in Olive Hill. In this role, he has stocked shelves, assisted customers, and helped maintain inventory. In 2023, Ethan began working on small engines for the store. He has set up new equipment but has also repaired lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, rototillers and other equipment. This has required him to become familiar with several types of engines and learn to trouble shoot issues various pieces of equipment.

Bluegrass Region
Sydnie Wells, Bourbon County

Sydnie is the daughter of Sid and Jessi Wells of Paris. Her FFA Advisors are Andrew Fritsch, Tara Poe, and Mahala Wess. Sydnie began job shadowing at Central Kentucky Veterinary Services as a freshman in high school. She began working as a paid employee in the boarding department the following year. She eventually transitioned to becoming a veterinarian assistant and started helping with various tasks including drawing blood and restraining animals. In the fall of 2025 she moved to Hometown Veterinary Partners to gain further experience working with large animals. There she has helped fill prescriptions, start client appointments, attended farm calls, and assisted veterinarians in the clinic.

Capital City Region
Lily Clark, Franklin County

Lily is the daughter of Brandon Clark and Ashley Rhodes of Frankfort. Her FFA Advisors are Kylen Douglas, Erica Baxter, and Grace Tingle. Lily began working for Canoe Kentucky in 2022, initially managing the point of sale system. Over time, she began attending camps, earned CPR and First Aid Certification, and became a certified guide. She now takes groups on canoe outings on both the Kentucky River and Peaks Mill, sells canoes, and provides customer service. She is currently working toward her Swift Water Rescue certification.

Green River Region
Christopher Stephen, Apollo

Christopher is the son of Brad and Brandy Stephen of Owensboro. His advisors are Matt Johnson, Ashley Thomas, and Aaron Tucker. Christopher’s placement on the family farm began with work seeding tobacco plants, dropping sticks, and mowing around farm buildings. He has taken on additional responsibilities each year and now spreads fertilizer, operates planting and harvesting equipment, works with H2A workers, and drives semi-trucks during grain harvest. He also mixes chemicals, scouts for disease and pest issues, and is learning to make production and marketing decisions for the farm.

Kentucky River Region
Reese Croley, Whitley County

Reese is the daughter of Garrett Croley and Celia Christmas of Rockholds. Her FFA advisor is Brian Prewitt. Reese began her SAE by working for Ball Farm where she groomed, fed, and exercised horses in preparation for local shows. She has learned to provide first aid and medical care for horses and how to prevent and treat lameness. In 2025, she moved to Gin-Mar Farm where she continued to work with horses on a daily basis. She also rode horses for shows and has learned to ride horses with various levels of experience.

Lake Cumberland Region
Avery Wesley, Pulaski County

Avery is the son of Jerry and Cindy Wesley of Waynesburg. His advisors are Corey Dixon, Janella Miller, and Natasha Evans. Avery began working with his uncle and grandfather on the family farm as a freshman. During the course of his SAE, he has learned how to prepare feed rations, identify and treat health problems in cattle, and properly manage pasture. While working for H&H Farms he has developed additional skills related to hay and silage production and equipment repair. He has also learned to produce and harvest hay and silage. Avery is now able to complete tasks independently, allowing his uncle and grandparents to focus on other farm tasks.

Licking River Region
Isaac Stull, Montgomery County

Isaac is the son of Alton and Stacy Stull of Mt. Sterling. His FFA advisors are Tim Adams, Andrew Sorrell, Alton Stull, and Kyla Brooks. Isaac works on his family farm where he has been involved in all aspects of forage production. Isaac has learned to cut, rake, and bale hay and is able to run all equipment effectively and safely. He helps move and store hay and is able to perform both routine maintenance and needed repairs to hay equipment. Isaac is now involved with making production decisions for the hay crop and is able to work without supervision.

Lincoln Trail Region
Cyrus Bivens, LaRue County

Cyrus is the son of Ryan and Misty Bivens of Hodgenville. His FFA Advisors are Misty Bivens and Chris Thomas. Cyrus’s placement has involved work for Fresh Start Farms where he has been involved in all aspects of row crop production. He began by running the grain cart during harvest and helping clean out grain bins. Over time, he has learned new skills and currently helps deliver seed and fertilizer to planters, performs tillage work, operates the combine, helps manage logistics during planting and harvest, and hauls grain. He has also learned to maintain and repair equipment and has used a skid steer to clear brush from field edges and repair washed out areas within crop fields.

Northern Kentucky Region
Haylie Thomas, Harrison County

Haylie is the daughter of Charlie and Chrystal Thomas of Cynthiana. Her FFA Advisors are Lacey Short and Shelby Wright. Haylie works for Thomas Farms where she is involved in the sale of grass fed beef, locally grown commodities, and Kentucky Proud Products. In this role, she stocks shelves, works with customers, fills telephone orders, and makes deliveries. Since many of the products are perishable in nature she has to be aware of food safety and health regulations. She has worked to improve her sales skills and grow her knowledge of products so she can properly educate customers during the sales process.

Pennyrile Region
Will Tabor, Todd Central

Will is the son of John and Beth Tabor of Lewisburg. His FFA Advisors are Shayla Berry and Quashawn Quarles. Will has worked for his family’s farm since 2022 where he has been involved with the production of cattle and grain crops. His work with the cattle operation has included moving and feeding hay, feeding cattle on a daily basis, and working cattle periodically. On the grain side of the operation, he has helped maintain equipment and been involved with both planting and harvest. In 2025, he began working for Dawson Farms where he operated grain bins, assisted with harvest, and helped maintain equipment.

Purchase Region
Western Richardson, McCracken County

Westen is the son of Casey and Laura Richardson of West Paducah. His FFA Advisors are Robert Polivick, Zach Hobbs, and Alissa Gott. Westen’s placement at Harris Farms Trucking began in the fall of 2022. He began by performing standard maintenance on trucks including tires and brake systems. He has since learned to complete more complex repairs including transmission rebuilds, replacing clutches, and troubleshooting electrical systems. Westen now goes on service calls and is able to perform needed diagnostics and repairs in the field or on the road.

Barren River Region
Kinsley Taylor, Logan County

Kinsley is the daughter of Jerrard and Laura Taylor of Russellville. Her FFA Advisors are Jay Campbell and Wesley Estes. Kinsley has built her business, Goat View Farm, with a goal of producing and marketing goat milk and other products to local customers. She provides care for her goats, including providing nutrition, managing reproduction, and ensuring good herd health. She has begun selling goat milk directly to customers and hopes to expand her business to include products such as goat milk soap and candles.

Big Sandy River Region
Luke Rayburn, West Carter

Luke is the son of Jerome and Danielle Rayburn of Olive Hill. His FFA Advisors are Justin Smith and Will Davis. Luke began working on chainsaws and trimmers for friends and neighbors in 2022. From that he has built his business, R&K Small Engine Repair. As demand for his services has grown, he has worked to develop new skills and has purchased tools to allow him to perform needed repair work. In 2025, he completed over 50 repair jobs for customers all over Carter County.

Bluegrass Region
Melanie Planck, Locust Trace

Melanie is the daughter of Cliff and Lora Lee Planck of Lexington. Her FFA Advisors are Kathleen Magsam, Daniel Bustle, Brian Craig, Latissa Higgins, Nicki Jones, Fallon Jackson, and Graciella Barajas. Melanie began her pet sitting business in 2022 by caring for three animals. She focused on providing good care for animals and providing regular communication with pet owners. She also established a business boarding and training horses for clients. In this business she provided daily care to horses in line with their individual needs, provided exercise, and basic training. She helped get horses ready to sell and facilitated several successful sales for clients.

Capital City Region
Carter Hutcherson, Western Hills

Carter is the son of Alan and Jennifer Hutcherson of Frankfort. His FFA Advisors are J. R. Zinner, Jeff Shaffer, and Jenna Burke. Carter began his SAE by taking photos for a local farmer in preparation for a lamb sale. He used an SAE grant to purchase better cameras, lighting and a backdrop. Through practice, he has improved his photography and editing skills. In addition to livestock sale photos, Carter has also taken pictures for his local FFA chapter and has worked as an official photographer for the Kentucky General Assembly.

Green River Region
Blake Hawkins, Apollo

Brian is the son of Brian and Emilee Hawkins of Owensboro. His FFA Advisors are Matt Johnson, Ashley Thomas, and Aaron Tucker. Brian began mowing eight lawns in 2023. Through doing quality work at a fair price, he has been able to expand his business to include 50 residential clients and several HOAs in 2025. In addition to mowing, Brian offers seeding, fertilization, aeration, and weed control services. He has also provided basic landscape maintenance for clients and has recently added power washing to generate additional income.

Kentucky River Region
Mallie Johnson, South Laurel

Kylie is the daughter of Philip and Jessica Baker and Anthony and Kayla Farrior. Her FFA Advisors are James Bonta and Samantha Gaddie. Kylie turned a love of dogs into a successful business. She began boarding and training dogs in 2022 using her family’s basement and garage to house the animals. She received a Shark Tank Grant from the Kentucky FFA Foundation in 2023 and used that money to purchase a building she now uses as a kennel. Kylie has grown her knowledge of training dogs and now trains them for sport as well as basic obedience. She has expanded her operation to include 60 customers and 82 animals trained in 2024.

Lake Cumberland Region
Grayson Dooley, Campbellsville Independent

Grayson is the son of Richard and Melissa Dooley of Campbellsville. His FFA Advisor is Erin Arnett. Grayson installs and maintains camera security systems and Starlink internet solutions to support agricultural operations across Kentucky. His work helps farms stay connected in remote areas, monitor livestock and equipment, and improve overall efficiency and security in day to day operations.

Licking River Region
Robert Pease, Fleming County

Robert is the son of Bobby and Lucinda Pease of Hillsboro. His FFA advisors are Bobby Pease, Lucinda Pease, and Tracy Moran. Robert’s SAE is his business 3:16 Lawncare, LLC. Robert began the business with a focus on mowing lawns, later adding landscaping maintenance services to meet the needs of customers. He grew the business through a commitment to quality work and customer service. Robert has employed up to four full-time employees and a number of part-time employees during busy seasons. He has upgraded his equipment adding two new Grasshopper mowers during high school and grew his business to include over 40 commercial and residential accounts.

Lincoln Trail Region
Addison Jones, Marion County

Addison is the daughter of Curtis and Denise Jones of Loretto. Her advisors are Makenzie Thomas and Trevor Sweet. Addison’s SAE, Jones Kids Sweetcorn, began in 2022 with 1.5 acres of Obsession sweet corn. She initially marketed her corn through a flea market but soon realized that she could sell her product solely to local customers. Addison used feedback from customers to inform future production decisions. She has grown her business each year and managed 6 acres of sweetcorn during the 2025 season.

Northern Kentucky Region
Audrey Roberts, Owen County

Audrey is the daughter of Brent and Ashley Roberts of Worthville. Her FFA Advisors are Rebecca Hawk and Jaclyn Post. Audrey began producing goat milk soap in 2022. She has marketed her product through a local farm store, Facebook, and the Owen County Farmers Market. She has grown her sales and product offerings each year and currently produces 43 scents. She recently added a tick repellant variety of soap to meet the needs of customers.

Pennyrile Region
Rex Taggart, Christian County

Rex is the son of Mitchell and Melissa Taggart of Hopkinsville. His advisors are Victoria Groves, Jake Jaworski, and Madison Wilmoth. Rex began his taxidermy business in 2023 when he mounted four animals that he had harvested himself. He has grown the business through attention to detail and a commitment to quality work. He has added additional services as requested by his customers. His main products are European deer mounts.

Purchase Region
Kaden Seaford, Marshall County

Kaden is the son of Kosta and Misty Seaford of Benton. His FFA Advisors are Jourdan Palmeri, Allan Smith, and Brian Jarvis. Kaden began producing jams and jellies to add value to fruit produced on his family’s farm. He worked to improve efficiency in processing and experimented with different recipes to get the best possible product. He has marketed his products directly to consumers through the farm’s Facebook page and has seen a steady increase in demand for his products.

Barren River Region
Klay Vansickle, Logan County

Klay is the son of Meg VanSickle of Auburn. His FFA Advisors are Wesley Estes and Jay Campbell. Klay began his SAE with two ewes given to him by his father. He grew his sheep herd to include 26 head and exchanged labor with his family for feed and equipment. In 2025, he used an FSA Youth Loan to purchase a three year old cow and three bred heifers as well as eight steers. He sold his sheep herd in order to focus on cattle production and is looking forward to expanding his cattle herd in the years to come.

Big Sandy River Region
Brittney Wright, Elliott County

Brittney is the daughter of Anthony and Wendy Wright of Sandy Hook. Her FFA Advisor is Makayla Lewis. Brittney has raised and sold market hogs since 2022. She has assisted with farrowing, cared for newborn pigs, and worked to ensure the health of her herd. She has carefully managed nutrition to ensure that her animals were growing efficiently. She has grown her operation by retaining gilts and purchasing additional breeding stock. She has sold her animals both as meat hogs to local customers and as show animals to local 4-H and FFA members.

Bluegrass Region
Will Beckley, Estill County

Will is the son of LW and Emily Beckley of Irvine. His FFA Advisors are Grace Cruse and Lacey Mae Denny. Will purchased his grandfather’s herd of Hereford cattle as a freshman. He has worked to improve the quality of his calves through selective culling and wise breeding decisions. This has enabled him to improve the quality of cattle that he raises and sells as breeding stock. Will has worked to increase the growth rates for his calves and improve the quality of forage to feed his cattle. Will grows 49 acres of mixed grass and clover hay for his 35 head of registered Hereford cattle.

Capital City Region
Logan Rudd, Woodford County

Logan is the son of Shannon and Debbie Rudd of Versailles. His FFA Advisors are Tracy Probst, Conner Richardson, and Anna Saunders. Logan began producing grain crops on his parent’s land in 2022. He utilized subsoiling and tiling to improve crop yields while learning to make better decisions about seed selection and crop management practices. Logan has learned to operate and maintain equipment including the planter and combine. He has also learned to keep records and to make effective marketing decisions for his crops.

Green River Region
Colton Hardy, Apollo

Colton is the son of Clint and Amanda Hardy of Owensboro. His FFA advisors are Matt Johnson, Ashley Thomas, and Aaron Tucker. Colton began his SAE by growing half an acre of sweet corn and 1200 mums in 2022. In 2023, he rented land and secured equipment through a labor exchange with his family to produce 27 acres of soybeans. He has expanded production each year and in 2025, his operation included 3200 mums, two acres of sweet corn, 80 acres of soybeans, and 5 acres of tobacco. Colton has carefully tracked income and expenses and used his records to make management decisions and to secure a loan to purchase an 80-acre farm.

Kentucky River Region
Austin Van, North Laurel

Austin is the son of Adam and Amber Van of London. His FFA Advisors are Dustin Estridge and Brandon Fawbush. Austin has worked on his family’s farm in Laurel County and has been involved with various aspects of agricultural production. He has learned to operate equipment safely, keep records, and manage inventory. Austin has also maintained equipment to ensure that work is able to be completed when the weather and his schedule allow.

Lake Cumberland Region
Myla Curry, Adair County

Myla is the daughter of Keith and Ashley Curry of Columbia. Her FFA Advisors Gabby Barnes, Brittany Smith, Robin Hancock, and Kirby Hancock. Myla began her SAE with 17 cows and one bull. She has worked to improve the nutrition of her herd and purchased a creep feeder to help calves grow faster. She used EPDs to select a bull that fit the needs of her operation and has grown her herd through retaining heifers and purchasing other breeding animals that meet her needs. She took advantage of high cattle prices in 2025 to cull some older animals and ended the year with 42 head of cattle.

Licking River Region
Laura Ellington, Montgomery County

Laura is the daughter of Derek and Rebecca Ellington of Mt. Sterling. Her FFA advisors are Alton Stull, Tim Adams, Andrew Sorrell, and Kyla Brooks. Laura began her beef SAE with one bred cow in 2021. She has expanded her herd by retaining heifers and purchasing quality registered females. She has sold bulls as breeding animals to other producers. Laura has learned to evaluate animals for purchase, monitor cattle for signs of health problems, manage cattle nutrition, and assist with calving. She has exhibited her animals to help build the reputation of her herd and increase demand for her breeding animals.

Lincoln Trail Region
Case Redmon, Meade County

Case is the son of Cory and Leslie Redmon of Guston. His FFA Advisors are Callie Hobbs and Noel Pack. Case began his beef SAE in 2022 with 15 bred cows and heifers. He has focused on providing good nutrition to his herd by working with a local feed company to develop a balanced ration and by producing high quality forage. He has used production records to make decisions about culling and breeding for the following year. Case has exchanged labor with his parents for use of pasture and facilities. He has grown his herd each year and exhibits cattle at the district and state level.

Northern Kentucky Region
Brody Hearn, Owen County

Brody is the son of Joshua and Megan Hearn of Owenton. His FFA Advisors are Jaclyn Post and Rebecca Hawk. Brody began his SAE with 11 bred heifers in 2022. He has learned to balance rations, select bulls using EPDs, manage herd health, produce hay, and utilize records to make management decisions. Brody has exchanged labor with his grandfather for hay, pasture, and equipment. He has sold calves through the stock yards but sold heifers directly to a local farmers in 2025. He has been able to improve the quality of his animals and has become certified in Beef Quality Care and Assurance.

Pennyrile Region
Benjamin Jones, Caldwell County

Benjamin is the son of Brent and Sara Jane Jones of Princeton. His FFA advisors are Magen Woods and Parker Jennings. Benjamin began his SAE by growing squash and tomatoes in a high tunnel greenhouse. Each year he has increased the variety and amount of vegetables that he has produced to include tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, watermelons, cantaloupe, sweet onions, potatoes, garlic, and peppers, as well as ¾ acre of sweet corn, pumpkins, and a variety of flowers. He has marketed his produce through a farm stand and has built a loyal customer base. He considers it a privilege to serve his community.

Purchase Region
Jacob Thorn, Marshall County

Jacob is the son of Jimmy and Cayla Thorn of Benton. His FFA Advisors are Jourdan Palmeri, Allan Smith, and Brian Jarvis. Jacob began his SAE with three Piedmontese hybrid cows that were bred to calve in 2022. He has exchanged labor with his grandfather for feed and equipment and has expanded his herd through retaining heifers. Jacob has learned to manage the nutritional needs of his cattle, selected sires, helped with calving difficulties, administered vaccines, and made other production and management decisions.