Griffin Messing, an 18-year-old student from Ubly High School, is a Michigan FFA Star Finalist in Placement whose journey reflects hard work, versatility and a strong commitment to learning by doing. Through a diverse Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), Griffin has gained hands-on experience in both production agriculture and the skilled trades, building a foundation that will carry him confidently into the workforce.
Griffin’s SAE began on his family farm, where he spent countless hours learning the basics of farming alongside his dad. From riding in the tractor and observing equipment operations to eventually running machinery himself, Griffin steadily expanded his skill set. Over the past six years, he has learned how to combine dry beans and soybeans, plant wheat, complete spring and fall tillage, broadcast fertilizer and cover crops, and safely operate a wide range of farm equipment. 
In addition to his work on the farm, Griffin took on a position with a local tiling business, Don Plester Tiling, further broadening his experience. When he first started, his responsibilities included making tile fittings and running shovels. With time and dedication, Griffin developed advanced technical skills and now operates backhoes, excavators, payloaders and tile plows. He has also learned how GPS technology, grade and slope sensors and precision lighting systems improve efficiency and accuracy in fieldwork.
Griffin’s mechanical knowledge has continued to grow through equipment maintenance and repair. From a young age, he helped service machinery by changing oil and filters, greasing fittings and inspecting equipment. In recent years, his experience has expanded to rebuilding a grain drill for a neighbor, tearing down and overhauling an in-frame engine, properly reassembling engines and completing full combine inspections to ensure equipment is field-ready.
FFA has played a key role in Griffin’s personal and professional growth. “Before FFA I was never able to speak in front of people very well, but through FFA leadership contests, CDEs and SAEs it made me into a lot better of a speaker in front of a group of people,” Griffin shared. Through his SAE, he has also learned valuable life skills, including time management. “The biggest lesson I have learned from my SAE was time management—being able to make time for the important stuff and set the less important things aside for the time being.”
Griffin encourages other members to take advantage of every opportunity FFA offers. “Step out of your comfort zone. Become an officer like you always have wanted to be or go compete in that competition you were always scared to do. Don’t let nerves or fear stop you from learning and trying new things,” he said. He credits FFA and his SAE with shaping his future plans by preparing him for life after high school and showing him that agriculture extends far beyond farming alone. 
After graduation, Griffin plans to enter the workforce as a heavy equipment operator while continuing to farm on the side, with the long-term goal of eventually taking over his family’s operation. His journey exemplifies the purpose of the Michigan FFA Star in Placement Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate excellence, responsibility and growth through on-the-job learning experiences. Griffin will vie for the title of Michigan FFA Star in Placement at the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention, March 4–6, 2026, on the campus of Michigan State University alongside fellow finalists Dylan Bailey from Montague and Barret Yoho from Owosso.
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