By Blake Jackson
George Frees, an FFA member from Missouri, was inspired to study sugarcane after visiting Jamaica. He was fascinated by the tall plant and its potential as a renewable fuel.
Frees' SAE project involved studying how treating sugarcane with gibberellic acid, a growth hormone, could increase the amount of ethanol biofuel that can be produced from the plant. He found that gibberellic acid did increase ethanol production, but more research is needed to determine the optimal application rate.
Frees is now a double major in biochemistry and plant sciences at the University of Missouri, where he is the campus beekeeper and conducts research in four different labs. He plans to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. program and work in the field of ethnobotany, which is the study of how indigenous peoples use medicinal plants and the development of new pharmaceuticals based on that knowledge.
Frees credits FFA for having the "single largest impact" on the trajectory of his life. He says that FFA has taught him valuable leadership and agricultural skills. He also says that FFA has helped him to develop a passion for science and research.
Frees is an inspiration to other FFA members and to anyone who is interested in sustainable agriculture. His work on sugarcane is a promising step towards developing new renewable fuels.
About the American Star Awards
The American Star Awards are presented to FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through completion of an SAE. The awards are sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, and Syngenta.
Sixteen American Star Award finalists from throughout the U.S. are nominated by a panel of judges who then interview the finalists. Four are named winners during the National FFA Convention & Expo, which is held in Indianapolis each year.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-darcymaulsby
Categories: Missouri, Energy, Sustainable Agriculture