Local agriculture has a new national champion. Ryder Klaassen, a 2023 graduate of Hydro-Eakly High School and member of the Hydro-Eakly FFA Chapter, was named the 2025 American Star Farmer at the National FFA Convention & Expo. This prestigious honor is the organization's oldest and highest recognition for a student in production agriculture.
Klaassen's supervised agricultural experience (SAE) stood out among the nation's best. His operation involves farming 420 rented acres in a wheat-summer crop rotation, strategically cultivating a diverse range of crops including wheat, black-eyed peas, mungbeans, cotton, and corn. He also manages a beef cattle program.
What makes his achievement particularly notable is his entrepreneurial skill. Klaassen has successfully transitioned to independently managing all production, marketing, and financial decisions, including securing specialty crop contracts with major companies and international buyers.
Currently a student at Oklahoma State University, Klaassen credited the FFA for developing the character and skills that led to this national recognition. His ambitious long-term goal is to return home to continue and expand his farming operation while also pursuing a career as a commodity stock broker. He is the 11th individual from Oklahoma to be named American Star Farmer.