TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois FFA has a new Star Farmer for 2025 from the Taylorville FFA Chapter.

Kade Beckmier, who farms near Taylorville, was recognized as the new FFA Star Farmer in Springfield a couple of weeks ago. Having been around sheep since he could walk, he began showing them at about four years old.

Beckmier says this is his life’s passion, being the sixth generation residing in the area, with his family raising sheep in Central Illinois for approximately five generations. He has also penned a book on forage, which includes details about the five-acre field located behind his barn.

“It is an incredibly huge honor, especially in the state of Illinois where agriculture is extremely competitive, making it very challenging to win awards at even the section or chapter level sometimes,” Beckmier said. “Winning state and area star farmer is incredibly awesome.”