In Stillman Valley, Illinois, a high school senior named Robbie Thurow is leaving his mark on his community and the agricultural world. As the vice president of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, Thurow has become a role model for his peers, showcasing a mix of leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to agriculture. His journey in FFA — as well as his impressive initiatives — have earned him the admiration of his chapter, community, and family.
At 17, Thurow balances a demanding schedule that includes football, baseball, musical theater, and, of course, FFA at Stillman Valley High School.
While agriculture runs deep in his family — both his grandfathers, Thurow’s namesakes, were FFA members — his initial inspiration to join came from his older sister, Emma. Seeing her involvement sparked his curiosity and later his passion for FFA. Today, Thurow’s enthusiasm has paved the way for his younger siblings to follow in his footsteps, creating a family tradition of agricultural leadership.
As a vice president, Thurow has played an instrumental role in fostering a sense of community and innovation. As Community and Chapter Development Chairman for his FFA chapter, he initiated the Feed the Farmers program.
What began as a simple idea to support local farmers during the busy harvest season has grown into a hallmark of the chapter’s community service efforts.
Thurow explained, “Last year, I started the program by calling local farmers and setting up a meal delivery day. My friend and I delivered about 100 meals over two days, just the two of us driving around everywhere.”
Using a spreadsheet, he managed every detail — from organizing meal preparation with a local restaurant, the Royal Blue, to coordinating delivery routes.
His adviser, Jay Williams, recalled, “He set it all up himself, calling farmers and arranging deliveries. He even waited until a day or two before to make the calls, which made me a little anxious, but he pulled it off. By the second day, we had delivered 100 meals, and farmers were surprised to find it was all free. Some even insisted on writing checks because they wanted to give back.”
This year, Thurow expanded the program significantly, delivering 130 meals in a single day with the help of more FFA members.
“It wasn’t just me and one other person driving everywhere this time,” he said. “We had more members involved and got it all done in one day.” The partnership with Royal Blue remained crucial, with the restaurant preparing sub sandwiches for the farmers.
Farmers’ reactions have made the effort worthwhile.
“A lot of them would ask how much it cost, and when we said it was free, they’d be stunned,” Thurow said. “One farmer even joked he’d have to pull out his checkbook if we ever charged.”
The program not only supported farmers but also provided FFA members with valuable hands-on experience in teamwork and community service. Reflecting on the challenges, he admitted, “The hardest part was just getting started. But once we did, it all came together.”
Thurow’s entrepreneurial spirit has also spurred on his supervised agricultural experience projects. His business, Robbie’s Meats, began as a practical application of his FFA involvement. Thurow takes pride in his role as a “homegrown small producer,” emphasizing his commitment to providing high-quality, locally-sourced beef and pork to his community.
Using cattle raised for junior livestock shows, Thurow transitioned them into his FFA project, offering individual cuts of beef and pork to the community. Over the years, he’s expanded his operations, and this school year alone, he processed and sold a steer and a half and a full pig. His customers include regulars who appreciate the high-quality, locally-sourced meat.
A major selling point for the meat business is Thurow’s expertise in meat judging. “I like to use how I place in meat judging competitions to build credibility when I talk to people about my products,” he shared. “It helps show that I know what I’m talking about, and it gives customers confidence in what they’re buying.”
This connection between his FFA experiences and his business underscores the value of the skills he’s developed through the organization.
Additionally, Thurow has ventured into hay farming. With 70 acres of hay under cultivation, he not only feeds his livestock but also sells hay to local farmers. This summer, he took a step forward by investing in a big square baler, enabling him to sell hay by tonnage.
Robbie recognizes the challenges of running a small business, particularly in pricing and profitability.
“Profit margins aren’t as big as you’d think,” he said. “As a young entrepreneur, I’ve learned that I have to price my products a little higher than grocery stores because I’m on a smaller scale. It’s not always easy, but people like to support local producers, especially young ones.”
Balancing these responsibilities with school, sports, and FFA leadership requires careful time management. “Honestly, my mom helps a lot,” Thurow said with a laugh. “She’s a big part of keeping everything running smoothly.”
For those considering starting a business through their FFA SAE, Thurow offers straightforward advice: “Just do it. It’s fun, and you’ll learn so much. You don’t have to come from an agricultural background to succeed. And don’t be afraid to price your products a little higher—you’re offering something unique and local.”
Williams, the FFA Advisor, has seen a shift in the types of SAEs his students undertake.
“Almost all my kids used to be traditional farm kids,” he reflects. “Now, students like Thurow are fewer—you can count them on one hand. SAEs have changed quite a bit from what they used to be.”
While Stillman Valley’s FFA program continues to support traditional farming projects, it also embraces students exploring innovative paths, from designing greenhouse soil mixtures to managing pumpkin patches or working in local businesses. Despite this evolution, Williams maintains a fondness for traditional projects like Thurow’s, which embody the values at the heart of FFA.
However, when it comes to FFA, it’s not all business for Thurow. During Stillman Valley High School’s annual Drive Your Tractor to School Day, Thurow ensures that every student who wants to participate has a tractor to drive.
This event celebrates the school’s agricultural roots and gives students a unique opportunity to connect with their heritage. Thurow’s efforts to include his peers demonstrate his dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
Thurow’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. He is currently applying for the Illinois State FFA Degree, the highest honor in the state. Williams notes Thurow’s potential as a Star in Agribusiness candidate.
Looking ahead, Thurow’s future goals include starting an experimental farm where he can explore innovative methods to increase crop yields and improve cattle-raising practices. Whether he pursues higher education or dives directly into the business world, Thurow’s entrepreneurial drive and leadership skills will undoubtedly serve him well.
Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.
