Swindler of Braymer FFA Chapter named State Star Farmer

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 25, 2025 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Gage Hutson Swindler of the Braymer FFA Chapter as the State Star Farmer at the 97th Missouri FFA Convention. He is the son of Justin and Erika Swindler. His advisor is Kelly Lee.

State Star Farmers are chosen based on outstanding production agriculture in the student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA.

American Family Insurance sponsors the 16 Area Star Farmer awards and the State Star Farmer award.

Swindler’s supervised agricultural experience includes managing diversified livestock, featuring beef, swine, and poultry operations. His beef project involves a registered Angus and Gelbvieh cow-calf herd, where he markets bulls and show heifers, sells feeder calves, and uses both artificial insemination and embryo transfer. His swine operation is a farrow-to-finish system utilizing Chester White and Berkshire genetics, with hogs sold as feeder pigs or butchered and marketed directly to consumers. His poultry operation includes laying hens and broilers, which he hatches, processes, and sells independently.

As an FFA member, Swindler has held multiple chapter officer positions and currently serves as Area II Vice President. He is an accomplished public speaker and has participated in various leadership development events and contest teams. Outside of FFA, he is active in football, baseball, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and 4-H, where he has served as President and camp counselor.

After high school graduation, Swindler plans to attend the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in agribusiness management. He intends to expand his SAE and remain active in the agricultural industry throughout college and beyond.

The Missouri FFA has 26,900 members representing 365 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,027,273 members representing 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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