A few weeks ago Rush County resident Justin Orme culminated his four years of high school by becoming a Rushville Consolidated High School graduate. A short time later, Orme, who during his secondary school years was an active member of the Rushville FFA Chapter, was recently named an Indiana Star Farmer.

In order to be selected for this distinction a FFA member is graded on their Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and their Leadership activities both in and out of the FFA program. The final selection is based on an interview with the candidate.

Orme’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program project currently includes 18 registered Hereford brood cows and a registered Hereford bull.

Over the years the RCHS grad has excelled in showing cattle and at selling feeder calves in order to purchase new stock.

Orme assists with all aspects of the operation and is involved in a number of other facets related to the cattle industry. In addition, he has begun renting small amounts of crop land as a means to reduce and control feed costs.

As previously mentioned, Orme was very involved in the local FFA chapter during high school as well as both the district and state levels. He recently served as Section III Director and held district and chapter offices while serving as a national delegate for the State of Indiana during the 2008 National Convention.

Past accomplishments for the soon-to-be college freshman include being a Hoosier FFA Degree recipient, state beef proficiency winner, state agriculture mechanics winner, and numerous district and chapter awards.

“Justin has made wise choices that have opened many doors for him in the agriculture sector. FFA not only provides a model for leadership but an opportunity to exercise and implement its components into everyday life. While this award is exciting, the journey has just begun for this young man,” advisor and father Blair Orme said.

In the fall, Orme intends to attend Purdue University pursuing a major in Agriculture.

Long-range plans are to continue raising Hereford cattle with an eye towards one day growing into a competitive cattle company, and assist with the family farming operation.

Frank Denzler can be contacted at (765) 932-2222 ext. 106 or via e-mail at frank.denzler@rushvillerepublican.com. To add a comment to this story visit our Web site at www.rushvillerepublican.com.