ND Student Nominated for Prestigious National Award

Dylan Finken of Max, N.D., has been nominated and announced as a finalist for American Star Farmer, one of the most prestigious awards an FFA member can achieve. Only four FFA members across the nation are nominated for the award and only one will be named American Star Farmer at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis from October 24-27, 2018.

“It is a great honor to have not only Dylan but to have North Dakota as a finalist for this award,” says Tamra Maddock, Executive Director of the North Dakota FFA Foundation. “This is an extremely difficult award to even qualify for; Dylan has worked incredibly hard and it is wonderful to see his efforts rewarded on a national level.”

The American Star Farmer award is one of four Star Awards and and recognizes members of the FFA who have exhibited outstanding skill and knowledge in agriculture as they complete their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). For his SAE, Finken focuses on Diversified Crop Production.

In addition to the skills and competencies displayed through an SAE, finalists must demonstrate leadership skills, academic success and earn their American FFA Degree, the highest degree an FFA member can achieve.

“Dylan has always been a dedicated member of our organization and has devoted a great deal of time and energy to our chapter,” says Amanda Huettl, Max FFA Advisor. “We are proud of the work he has done and to have him represent North Dakota and the Max FFA Chapter this October.”