STORY BY JODI M. BORGER • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FINALISTS & LINDE'S LIVESTOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

Riley Berger, Luke Jennings and Audrey Pinger are Ohio’s American Star Finalists, representing the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients around the country. Each of these individuals have met rigorous requirements, including completing supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), demonstrating excellent management skills, fulfilling education and leadership criteria, and earning the American FFA Degree. The winners will be announced at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Riley Berger, American Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist

Riley Berger had no background in agriculture, but he found his niche in FFA in eighth grade when he and his fellow classmates were required to take one semester of FFA at Ridgewood High School in Coshocton County.

“I really liked it a lot,” said Berger. “I already knew I liked agriculture; I just never have really had the opportunity to do this.”

During his freshman year, he officially joined FFA and became more involved by participating in Career Development Events (CDEs) and attending the National FFA Convention & Expo. That’s when his FFA advisors began encouraging him to search for a job opportunity and an SAE to allow him to pursue his passion.

“My SAEs included working for ASB Farm, owned by Alan and Susan Brinker, where I worked with market chickens, market hogs, Katahdin sheep, commercial cattle, and gained experience in the show cattle industry,” said Berger. “This SAE gave me the opportunity to show a heifer through the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association BEST Program.”

Berger not only participated, he won Champion Crossbred Heifer for the entire program season.

Berger admits he was surprised that ASB Farms was willing to hire him because, in his mind, he didn't know anything. Alan started him out slowly, but little by little gave him more responsibilities and eventually began allowing him to help with the cattle.

“Alan explained the nutritional values and differences between the multiple types of grass there are,” said Berger. “And eventually, I learned the difference between types of cattle, how efficient they were on grass, and why certain cattle did better on feed.”

Berger went from moving cows from field to field to marketing cattle to customers, keeping records and maintaining the herd.

“This project and being involved in FFA has really changed my life,” said Berger. I come from a small town where my home life wasn’t very good. I decided to move in with my grandparents and I've lived with them ever since.”

Berger credits ASB Farm for providing the knowledge and guidance he needed to become successful and responsible.

“They've taught me how to love — love agriculture, love people, and taught me how to be responsible,” said Berger. “They took a chance on me, and now I feel like family.”

It was that love, support and experience that has propelled Berger to achieve awards he never thought were possible — including being an American Star Finalist.

“All I can say is if I can do it, anybody else can do it because I came from ground zero. I knew absolutely nothing about any of this stuff,” said Berger. “As a kid, I played with toys and dreamed of one day being able to have my own farm, working on a farm and being involved in agriculture.”

Berger hopes to continue to be involved with FFA in the future, whether through livestock judging or simply just teaching them about livestock as a small way to give back to those who poured knowledge into him.

“I would really like to thank my advisors, Logan Pyers and Sue Davis, for helping me get to where I am today and the Brinker family for guiding me to the person I’ve become and helping me get involved in the cattle industry,” said Berger.

Luke Jennings, American Star Farmer Finalist

Joining the FFA was an easy decision for Luke Jennings, whose family was heavily involved in the organization. Jennings, who attended Felicity-Franklin High School in Clermont County, grew up raising beef cattle and swine on his family’s farm. However, FFA challenged him to try new things and expand his SAE in scope and quality.

“Growing up with livestock, I knew that I wanted to continue to be involved in the industry,” said Jennings, who is the current Ohio FFA President. "In my family, FFA was always a part of our lives. It felt like a natural progression for me."

In 2017, Jennings and his sister purchased 50 percent of their family's beef herd. He raises Maine-Anjou, Chianina, Simmental, and crossbred cattle with an emphasis on show stock.

“I've purchased and retained females to advance my herd and grow my SAE from a variety of breeders. I also market the calves as show cattle and breeding prospects to customers in Ohio and surrounding states through online marketing strategies,” said Jennings. “I also raise market steers and pigs to show, but I quickly learned that simply relying on stock show sales wasn't always profitable.”

For his products to generate a profit, he had to come up with a new strategy. He rethought his marketing process and began selling farm-to-fork wholesale pork and beef directly to consumers. This aspect of Jennings’ diversified livestock operation has allowed him to educate consumers about where their food comes from while having more control over the prices he receives.

"One of the greatest lessons I've learned through my SAEs and FFA has been how to overcome challenges and adapt," Jennings said. "My agriculture educator has a sign hanging in her room that says, 'Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.' I feel like I've embraced this saying in so many ways."

Jennings admits he never believed during his FFA journey that he would achieve American Star Finalist status.

"Being a finalist is not just a recognition of my hard work, but a celebration of the values and lessons FFA has instilled in me," said Jennings.

Jennings has two words for students considering FFA: Do it.

Jennings, who grew up in a small town without a stoplight and a relatively small school, didn't always think he would have the same opportunities that students in larger schools would have. However, through FFA, he has been able to meet so many individuals from across Ohio and the United States.

“The people, memories, experiences, life lessons, values, and knowledge, are unlike anything I've been a part of,” said Jennings. “I wish that every student would have the opportunity to wear a blue corduroy jacket and be a part of this life-altering organization.”

Audrey Pinger, American Star in Agriscience Finalist

Encouragement from friends led Audrey Pinger to join FFA during her freshman year at Felicity-Franklin High School in Clermont County. Little did she know that simple decision would shape her life in significant ways. That same year, her FFA advisor invited her to participate in the Agriscience Fair, which would ignite her passion for research and set the stage for her SAE.

“My SAE revolved around four agriscience projects within the plant systems pathway, each probing different aspects of agricultural science,” said Pinger. “During these four projects, I studied growing mediums and environmental conditions.”

Her first project was focused on whether vertical or horizontal hydroponic systems produce the most crop. Her second project tested whether traditional growing methods, soil, or hydroponic systems were more effective in plant growth. During the third project, she tested the effects of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis and plant growth. Her fourth project was on how water temperature impacted photosynthesis.

“My SAE has had a huge impact on me, and so did FFA,” said Pinger. “I learned that imperfection is a part of growth, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

She quickly learned that embracing her mistakes and collaborating with others were essential steps in her growth as a researcher and individual.

To Pinger, becoming an American Star Finalist was a dream she never thought possible when she first joined FFA.

“I am extraordinarily grateful for this experience, and I am so happy to be here. If someone told me as a freshman that years later, I would be here, I wouldn’t believe you,” said Pinger. “I cannot get over my feeling of gratitude and excitement that I have over this opportunity.”

Pinger encourages future FFA members to seize every opportunity that comes their way, especially when advisors believe in their potential. FFA is a remarkable journey filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Pinger’s most cherished experiences in FFA include mentoring and assisting fellow students and serving as a chapter officer for three years.

“My FFA experiences have solidified my decision to study agriscience education and pursue a career as an agricultural educator and FFA advisor,” said Pinger. “My journey with FFA has not only enriched my life but has also ignited a passion for nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

Tune into the National FFA Convention & Expo during the sixth general session on Friday, Nov. 3, 2024, to see these award results. View the schedule. More information about how to watch the event can be found on FFA Live!