From farm shop to national stage: Caldyn Huper named American Star Finalist

Katelyn Winberg
Oct 28, 2025
Oct 28, 2025

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When Caldyn Huper’s FFA advisor showed up at the family farm shop near Alden, Minnesota, one morning, he thought maybe there was a broken lawn mower to fix. Instead, advisor Dan Dylla reached out to shake his hand. Huper had just been named a finalist for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award, one of the highest honors in the National FFA Organization.

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Caldyn 1.jpg — Caldyn Huper in his FFA official dress.
Submitted photo

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Caldyn 2.jpeg — Caldyn Huper in one of his family’s fields.
Submitted photo

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Born and raised on a farm in southeastern South Dakota, Katelyn currently resides in Sioux Falls. She enjoys attending SDSU football games (her alma mater), going to farmer’s markets and visiting her parents at their family farm. Reach her at kwinberg@tristateneighbor.com.