While some farmers may choose to specialize in one area, Ohio’s Jacob Wuebker proves it’s possible to manage a diversified grain and livestock farm and do well at it all. Wuebker was named the 2022 Star in Agricultural Placement at the 95th annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.
Wuebker is the son of Jeff and Dena Wuebker of Versailles, Ohio, and is a member of the Versailles FFA. He is one of four FFA members in the country who are honored with American Star Awards for outstanding accomplishments in FFA and agricultural education.
“My [SAE] is working on my family’s diversified grain and livestock farm,” Wuebker said in a National FFA release. “Row crops consist of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. We have 2,000 sows, 300 head of dairy steers and we finish out about 3,000 head of pigs at a time.”
His family farms around 1,200 acres for the crops alone, he said. He is grateful for all the work his family has done to help make his supervised agricultural experience (SAE) a huge success.
“My mom’s actually my ag teacher,” Wuebker explained. “Definitely a big thanks to her...whenever you live on a farm and your mom’s your ag teacher, agriculture kind of consumes your whole life.”
After graduating from Wright State University - Lake Campus with a degree in agribusiness, Wuebker went home to farm full-time in his family’s operation. He said he has no plans to stop because he loves what he does every day.
He believes farming gives him a sense of purpose and that motivates him through even the most grueling days of work.
“What I’m most proud of is getting to feed the world and knowing that what I do every day has a purpose,” he added.
He encourages other FFA members to find their passion and to not let anyone discourage them from doing something they love.
“Whenever you find your passion, you are able to dedicate your life to something greater than you,” Wuebker said.
In addition to Wuebker being named the 2022 Star in Agricultural Placement, his sister Laura was named the winner of the agricultural communication - entrepreneurship/placement national proficiency award. she works for WGTR radio station as a co-farm news director. In this position, she informs listeners about agriculture-related topics through researching stories and broadcasting them. She contacts 10 local grain elevators and collects the grain markets along with creating and broadcasting a weather forecast.
“It is outstanding to see the accomplishments of young farmers recognized for their hard work. Jacob and Laura grew up on their family’s diversified livestock and grain operation, where their passion for the agriculture industry was first established. The Ohio Pork Council congratulates Jacob and Laura for their National FFA Achievements,” says Cheryl Day, executive vice president of the Ohio Pork Council. “We are honored to have them as active members in our industry.”
Read More from FFA Convention:
National FFA Convention: Farm Journal’s Inside Perspective
6 Dos and Don’ts to Make the Most of National FFA Convention
Read More about FFA:
Why You Should Prioritize People
4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better
FFA Has-Been? No, Your Role Just Changes
12 Reasons Why We Need FFA More Than Ever
Ag Teachers: When Someone Believes in You
