Colfax FFA member named national finalist

COLFAX – Colfax FFA member Cotton Booker has been named an American Star finalist in the Agribusiness category.

The National FFA American Start Award represents the best of the best among thousands of American FFA Degree recipients. The award recognizes members who developed skills in agriculture through the completion of a supervised agricultural experience project (SAE).

"There's only been very few people who have gotten the honor in the state of washington," said FFA advisor Michael Heitstuman.

An SAE allows members to learn through hands-on experiences. Recipients of the award in the agribusiness category can own or operate a business, intern at businesses linked to agriculture, or conduct an agriculture science experiment.

Booker's SAE throughout high school and while attending Oklahoma State University is agricultural auctioneering. Since an early age, following in his father Butch Booker's footsteps, Cotton has had the opportunity to provide auction services locally at the Palouse empire Fair and at regional cattle sales. While in college, Cotton has expanded his auctioneering in states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. At the age of 16, Cotton won the International Junior Auctioneer Championship, and acknowledged as the Northwest's best bid Caller in 2021 at the Northwest Auctioneers Contest in Pasco, WA. Cotton was named the Washington State FFA Star in Agribusiness in 2019.

Wednesday Aug. 31 a panel of judges from throughout the nation interviewed Booker and selected one winner for the 95 National FFA Convention and Expo, which will be held in Indianaoplis in October. The winner of each category will be announced in October.

During the interview process, each individual must be ready to discuss what their SAE consists of and how their project impacted thier high school education; and given them post-secondary opportunites.

Other requirements required to achieve this award include completing extensive time in an agricultural education environment, having high scholastic achievements, and demonstrating premier leadership both in high school and after graduating. Earning an American FFA Degree is considered the National FFA Organization's highest level of student accomplishment. Being named a Star finalist means Cotton is one of top four in the nation.

Cotton and his parents, Butch and Jennifer Booker, will be recognized on stage at the sixth general session Friday, Oct. 28.