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National FFA names top honors, the 2025 American Star Award winners

Four students have been awarded the National FFA Organization’s highest honor, the American Star Awards.

The award recognizes FFA members who have developed outstanding skills and competencies by completing their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

Ryder Klaasen of Oklahoma was awarded as the American Star Farmer.

Klaasen farms 420 rented acres in a wheat-summer crop rotation managing all on-farm and management decisions, including specialty crop contracts with companies like Del Monte and international buyers.

He tells Brownfield he plans to expand his operation in the future.

Klaasen hails from the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter in Hydro, Oklahoma.

AUDIO: Ryder Klaasen, American Star Farmer

Blake Twenhafel of Illinois is the American Star in Agribusiness.  

Twenhafel owns and operates BT Lawn Care established in 2018.

He says he credits his FFA experiences for helping prepare him to become a business owner.

Twenhafel hails from the Wesclin FFA Chapter in Trenton, Illinois.

AUDIO: Blake Twenhafel, American Star in Agribusiness

Nevin Erbsen of Illinois was named the American Star in Agricultural Placement.

Erbsen’s SAE includes working for four agricultural businesses, including his family’s 100-cow dairy, Gunderson Dairy Farms, C&A Acres, and Kimberley Ag.

He says his SAE has helped prepare him for a career in the ag industry.

Erbsen hails from the Eastland FFA Chapter in Lanark, Illinois.

AUDIO: Nevin Erbsen, American Star in Agricultural Placement

Joanna Hamilton of Ohio is the American Star in Agriscience. 

Hamilton completed five research projects including power systems, food science, and social systems to help address key agricultural issues and consumer preferences.

She says her SAE experiences have helped her mentor the next generation of FFA members.

Hamilton hails from the Felicity-Franklin FFA Chapter in Felicity, Ohio.

AUDIO: Joanna Hamilton, American Star in Agriscience

Bayer, Cargill, Case IH, John Deere, Rabobank and Syngenta sponsor the American Star Awards.