Landon Roling from the McCook Central FFA Chapter has been recognized as a National FFA American Star Award finalist in the Agricultural Placement category. Lauren Roling, also from the McCook Central FFA Chapter, has been recognized as a National FFA American Star Award finalist in the Agriscience category.
The American Star Awards represent the best of the best among more than one million FFA members across the country. These members have gone above and beyond in their attitude, involvement, and community service, and have completed a hands-on learning project known as a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Sixteen national finalists are selected, with four finalists in each category – American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement, and American Star in Agriscience.
Landon Roling, McCook Central FFA, Salem, SD – American Star Finalist IN Agricultural Placement
Roling is a sixth-generation farmer whose hands-on learning project includes crop, beef and swine production on his family’s diversified South Dakota operation. His responsibilities have grown to include livestock health and feeding decisions, crop scouting, and precision-agriculture technology. He also earned his FAA Remote Pilot License and uses a spray drone to apply crop-protection products while reducing damage from ground equipment.
“Farming is my passion and what I have wanted to do since I was young,” said Roling. “I enjoy the work, the responsibility, and the challenges that come with production agriculture. I have been fortunate to grow up working alongside my family, learning firsthand the work ethic, values, and decision-making required to operate a successful farm and move it forward.”
Lauren Roling, McCook Central FFA, Salem, SD – American Star Finalist IN Agriscience
Growing up on her family’s farm, Roling developed a variety of research projects that addressed issues affecting agricultural producers and rural communities. Her projects focused largely on grain bin safety, swine producer mental health, and agricultural hearing loss. For her latest project, she organized a live grain bin engulfment simulation, collaborated with industry experts and evaluated how the experience changed participants’ safety knowledge and practices.
“FFA has shaped me into a resilient, forward-thinking problem-solver,” said Roling. “I am committed to applying what I have learned to improve the safety, sustainability, and well-being of agricultural workers for generations to come. My projects have taught me that research is not just about asking questions but about taking risks and thinking big to find solutions that make impactful change.”
Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management skills, completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements, and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest level of student accomplishment.
A panel of judges will interview the finalists and select one winner from each award category during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis in October. The four winners will be announced during the convention.
Bayer, Cargill, Case IH, Domino’s, John Deere, Rabobank, and Syngenta sponsor the American FFA Degree recognition program and the American Star Awards.
Visit FFA.org/Stars for more information about the American Star Awards and convention.ffa.org for information about the upcoming 99th National FFA Convention & Expo.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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