Central Noble FFA's Faith Lortie was selected as the 2026 Indiana FFA State Star Farmer during the fourth general session of the Indiana State FFA Convention. Her advisor is Jamie Earnhart.
Lortie raises a herd of 21 registered Holsteins, breeding them and selling them for the state and national show circuit. She is the daughter of Joe and Megan Lortie of Kimmel. Her future plans include studying agricultural communications at a four-year university.
"(I'm) feeling very blessed, thankful and excited," Lortie said, reflecting on her experience.
Clark Showalter of Manchester FFA won the award for State Star in Agricultural Placement. His advisor is Gwen Mize.
Showalter works for his family's land management operation, and oversees the care for 1,000 acres of forestland, 500 acres of wildlife habitat and 12 acres of wetlands in Wabash County. He is the son of Aron and Cora Showalter of Roann. His future plans include studying forestry at Purdue University.
Other State Star winners include: Luke Schilling, East Hancock FFA, State Star in Agribusiness and Jenna Lawler, Rushville FFA, State Star in Agriscience.