Versailles FFA’s Heitkamp an Ohio FFA star
VERSAILLES, Ohio — Jay Heitkamp, 18, is the son of Gary and Denise Heitkamp of Versailles, Ohio. He is a 2009 graduate of Versailles High School, was a member of the Versailles FFA chapter and was guided by his advisor Dena Wuebker.

During the Ohio State FFA Convention, Heitkamp earned multiple winning titles. He initially was among the top eight in the state for Ohio Star in Agricultural Placement, and he later received the honor as the Ohio Star winner. He is employed as a full-time farmer for Heitkamp Farms. Besides raising animals, Heitkamp also raised 260 acres consisting of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa hay. He will represent Ohio FFA by attending The Big E in mid-Sept.

He also placed first in Diversified Livestock placement. Heitkamp cared for 60 calves just days old with bottles of milk until each were ready to eat silage. He raised these Holsteins and 2,000 hogs until they were ready for market. Heitkamp earned a gold-rating at the national level.

Two Kentucky FFAers among American Star finalists
FRANKFORT, Ky. — James Lyons from the Scott County FFA and Jared Hodskins of the Apollo FFA will represent Kentucky as one of the 16 finalists for the National FFA Stars Over America, during the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., from Oct. 20-23. This is Kentucky’s second year in a row with two finalists.

Lyons, 21, is the son of Alvin and Debbie Lyons of Stamping Ground and is one of four finalists nationwide competing for the FFA’s highest honor of the American Star Farmer award. A camera crew will videotape a visit to Lyons’ farm in Scott County to show at the convention.

He is a student at the University of Kentucky, and will graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics and a minor in animal science; he plans to continue farming after graduation.

Hodskins, 22, is the son of Kenny and Vickie Hodskins of Owensboro and is among the four finalists competing for FFA’s highest achievement for a person pursuing a career in agribusiness – the Star in Agribusiness award. He manages his lawn-mowing and landscaping business, Hodskins Lawncare, with five part-time employees.

Both Lyons and Hodskins will earn $2,000 and a plaque for earning a place among the finalists, and they will compete for an additional $2,000 and a medal that is awarded to category winners at the convention.

Alexander FFA chapter has winning fair members
ALBANY, Ohio — The Alexander FFA chapter had numerous winning members at the Athens County Fair.

Animal winners included: Katie Meeks, Grand Champion Hog; Kara Oberholzer, Reserve Champion Hog; Chase Meeks, Grand and Reserve Champion Dairy Feeder, 2nd Place Ultimate Beef Showman, 1st Novice Market Goat Showmanship, 1st Intermediate Dairy Feeder Showmanship; Ben Doughty-Grand Champion Carcass Hog; Tyler Gilden-Reserve of Sale Dairy Feeder; and Corine Craft, 1st Intermediate Showmanship. Other category winners included: Doc Allman, Heaviest Pumpkin and Kristy Lawrance, Grand Champion Jumping Hunt Seat Equitation and Reserve Champion Jumping Equitation Over Fences.

Mullins received Grand Champion Lamb, and 2nd in Lamb Senior Showmanship at the Vinton County Fair.

Miami East FFA earns 2-star national chapter title
CASSTOWN, Ohio — The Miami East FFA chapter recently earned the title as 2-Star National Chapter. To be considered for national recognition, chapters had to rank in the top 10 percent in their state, and Miami East was in Ohio’s top 12 chapters in May.

Chapters could have earned a one-, two-, or three-star rating at the national level. The application reviewed FFA chapters’ Program of Activities (POA), which provides student, chapter or community development for members.

This marks the 10th year of recognition for the chapter, and two students will receive the place in Indianapolis, Ind. at the National FFA Convention that takes place from Oct. 20-23.