The Missouri FFA Association recognized Gage Hutson Swindler of the Braymer FFA Chapter as the State Star Farmer at the 97th Missouri FFA Convention.

State Star Farmers are chosen based on outstanding production agriculture in the student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA. Swindler’s supervised agricultural experience includes managing diversified livestock, featuring beef, swine, and poultry operations. His beef project involves a registered Angus and Gelbvieh cow-calf herd, where he markets bulls and show heifers, sells feeder calves, and uses both artificial insemination and embryo transfer. His swine operation is a farrow-to-finish system utilizing Chester White and Berkshire genetics, with hogs sold as feeder pigs or butchered and marketed directly to consumers. His poultry operation includes laying hens and broilers, which he hatches, processes, and sells independently.

As an FFA member, Swindler has held multiple chapter officer positions and currently serves as Area II Vice President. Outside of FFA, he is active in football, baseball, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and 4-H, where he has served as President and camp counselor.

After high school graduation, Swindler plans to attend the University of Missouri to pursue a degree in agribusiness management. He intends to expand his SAE and remain active in the agricultural industry throughout college and beyond.