Texas student Jose Yepez won the 2026 American Star in Agribusiness award from the National FFA Organization on Friday. Yepez has been recognised for his landscaping work, which he took on to cover his tuition fees, but his company has since grown to serve more than 100 clients and employ four full-time workers.According to the official release by National FFA Organization, the business has also changed things for his family. Yepez says the money he has earned has helped his mother renovate her home, and his sister attend college. His father has also secured a fulfilling job, while Yepez has managed to pay for his own education. These are the achievements he values most about running his company, Yepez Signature Landscape.Yepez, a member of Greenville FFA in Texas, received the award at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. He was among four students honoured for their work in agriculture-related fields. The winners were announced at Lucas Oil Stadium after a panel of judges interviewed finalists in each category.According to the National FFA Organization, Yepez’s company has received more than 160 five-star reviews. Although the business has expanded, he continues to look after much of its daily management. From speaking with customers to handling payments, marketing and work schedules, Yepez remains closely involved in running the company.
Life-changing venture
When Yepez started Yepez Signature Landscape, his main concern was finding a way to fund his education. The business gave him an opportunity to earn money while building something of his own.As more customers came in, he began offering services beyond basic landscaping. Today, the company takes up landscape design, hardscape construction and property maintenance work. Hardscaping involves building outdoor features using materials such as stone and concrete.With more than 100 clients and four full-time employees, the business has grown considerably from its early days. Yepez now has to manage customer requests, organise work for his employees and keep track of the company’s finances.But when asked about what the business has meant to him, Yepez spoke about his family rather than the number of customers or projects.“One of the most impactful opportunities that this project has been able to provide me is the ability to support my family financially,” he said.Yepez explained that his parents are immigrants who have worked hard throughout their lives. Being able to contribute to the family’s expenses has therefore been particularly meaningful to him.“As the son of immigrant parents who have known nothing but to work their entire lives tirelessly, I take pride in being able to utilize my business in a meaningful way to assist my family,” he said.The earnings have helped his mother improve her home and his sister pursue higher education. Yepez has also been able to cover his own college costs, fulfilling the goal that first encouraged him to start the business.
Why Yepez was chosen for the award
Yepez’s work earned him the American Star in Agribusiness award, one of the National FFA Organization’s highest honours for students involved in agricultural education.The award is not based only on how much a business has grown. Students must also show that they have gained practical experience, developed management skills and met the organisation’s educational and leadership requirements.A major part of this process is the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programme. It allows students to learn through practical work rather than relying entirely on classroom lessons.Some students start and manage their own businesses, while others work for agricultural companies or carry out research projects. These experiences help them apply what they have learnt during their agricultural education.To be considered for an American Star Award, students must first earn the American FFA Degree, the organisation’s highest level of student accomplishment.For the 2026 awards, judges interviewed four finalists in each category before selecting the winners. Yepez was chosen in the agribusiness category.
Other students who received national honours
The convention also recognised three students whose agricultural projects took them into different areas of farming and research.Tessa Tauke of Beckman Catholic FFA in Iowa won the American Star in Agriscience award. She began researching problems related to her family’s farm while she was still in eighth grade. Her five projects covered subjects such as agricultural equipment safety, black walnut toxicity, welding exposure, and treatments for bovine ringworm.Her research later took her to the US Department of Agriculture, Iowa State University Dairy Farm and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, where she gained further experience.Jaron Black, from Streator FFA in Illinois, received the American Star in Agricultural Placement award. He started with tasks such as cleaning and moving equipment at Black Farms before taking on more responsibilities. His work eventually included repairing machinery, operating farm vehicles, applying fertilisers and pesticides, and dealing directly with customers.The American Star Farmer award went to Cooper Kline of North Rock Creek FFA in Oklahoma. He expanded his pig-breeding operation from two to 28 sows and established Kline Swine Sires, which collects, evaluates, packages and markets fresh boar semen.