Ella Pachta of Belleville, Kansas, received the “Star Farmer” award at the state FFA convention in Manhattan, Kansas, which took place on June 2nd. Pachta made FFA history by being the fifth female in Kansas to earn this award. The award is given to those who show they are going above and beyond in their supervised agriculture experience (SAE), community service, and more. Pachta’s SAE in Beef Production Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Forage Production was what earned her the award. She has her own herd of 20 commercial beef cows, which she raises until they’re 400-500 pounds, and then sells them. Her family owns a business, Pachta Hay Farm, which she also helps with. Other awards Pachta won include the FA Forage Production Proficiency Award, and a fourth place finish in employment skills in a leadership development event.
