The Missouri FFA Association named Brad McWilliams of Carl Junction FFA Chapter State Star Farmer at the 80th Missouri FFA Convention. He is the son of Elmer and Brenda McWilliams. His advisors are Kelli Nolting and Travis Wait.

Area Star Farmers are chosen based upon outstanding production agriculture for the student’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and active participation in FFA. Area 9 covers 16 chapters in the Northwest District.

MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the 16 Area Star Farmer awards.

McWilliams SAE program began with four show pigs. He has now increased his operation to 10 sows which he breeds to produce quality show pigs. McWilliams’ beef production ownership has grown to a small cow herd of 12 registered Gelbvieh cows and 16 commercial cows. He is continuing to build his registered herd.

McWilliams’ FFA activities include serving as chapter reporter, chapter secretary and Area 9 FFA Secretary. He competed at the state level in the livestock evaluation and agricultural sales career development events. He also has competed at the district level on the FFA Knowledge and meats evaluation teams. He won the Area 9 FFA Diversified Livestock Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award in 2007. He has attended the Missouri FFA Leadership Camp, where he received his state leadership medal, and attended the Washington Leadership Conference this past summer.

Some of McWilliams’ school activities include playing baseball and football for Carl Junction High School. He is a member of the A+ program and has received an academic letter every year. McWilliams is a member of the National Junior Gelbbvieh Association and the National Junior Swine Association.

McWilliams’ future plans include attending a junior college and judging on the livestock team. He plans to transfer to a four-year university and study agriculture education. He plans to continue increasing his registered beef herd and show pig operation, as well as help with the family farm.