March 19, 2024

Osceola student named 2016 Stars Over Iowa winner in ag production

AMES — Four Star Over Iowa winners were selected in four different areas: Agricultural placement, agriscience, agribusiness and agricultural production.

The finalists were selected from a pool of 693 FFA members who will earn the Iowa FFA Degree — the highest honor the Iowa FFA Association can bestow upon an FFA member.

The star awards recognize students who have developed outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through their career development programs and demonstrated outstanding management skills.

These finalists were interviewed  and their SAE record books reviewed by a panel of judges.

The 2016 Stars Over Iowa winners were announced at the 88th Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference at Hilton Coliseum April 19.

Kaitlyn Boyer of the Osceola Big Chief FFA Chapter is the Star in Ag Production winner. Her SAE focuses on raising high quality registered Limousin cattle from pasture to plate.

At the age of 11, she purchased her first Limousin heifer and has now grown her herd to 32 head. She strives to meet the demands of a niche market for natural beef.

Boyer’s market cattle are used in her family’s beef stick business. She sells the beef sticks directly to the public at the Harvest Barn and Des Moines Farmer’s Market.

Her breeding stock are sold at the Iowa Beef Expo, as well as private treaty sales. She analyzes EPDs and utilizes embryo transfer along with other advanced reproductive practices.

Managing the farm website, Facebook page and creating advertisements are all important aspects of Boyer’s SAE. She also advocates for the beef industry by speaking at events like Iowa Cattlemen’s Convention.

Boyer has served as a south central district officer and has competed at state for job interview.

After graduation, she plans to attend Iowa State University with a major in animal science and later work towards a master’s degree in business.

Boyer is the daughter of Jason and Amy Boyer. Her chapter advisor is Brandi Boyd. Her high school principal is Shane Stephens and superintendent is Steve Seid