Gentrie Davis, Vice President

VP 2024-2025

I have two primary SAEs, Food Products & Processing and Equine Science- Entrepreneurship.

I began my first SAE in January of 2021 called GMae’s Baking and Milling where I focus on food processing. My SAE entails milling organic and non-GMO grains from my family’s row crop operation in Saline County for customers to bake or cook with. I also bake myself and offer ready-to-bake mixes to help promote these milled products.

My second SAE entails owning and showing horses. I have owned horses since I was 7. I ensure that the basic needs of my horses are met in order to ride them year-round at local, county, state, regional and national competitions. I joined the American Ranch Horse Association (ARHA) in 2020 and bought a four-year-old mare, Locked N Loaded Chic. This horse taught me the diverse avenues available from performance classes to cattle work. In January of 2022, I won a yearling, Zans Freckled Pepto, through ARHA in a youth program contest. Since owning this horse, I have trained him under saddle and on the ground where he now shows in local and regional shows. In the future, I plan to expand and start a breeding program with my mare.

Sophomore year, I had the privilege of attending the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo. Watching national officers inspire members from across the country sparked my interest to want to serve within this organization. I was fortunate to attend this event with an area officer from my home chapter, creating the opportunity to work closely with them and have in-depth conversations about our goals within this organization. I knew I wanted to take advantage of every opportunity I could, including holding a chapter, area and state office. The opportunity to seize the leadership skills that this organization instills has always been an inspiration to me, and I hope to be an inspiration to others.

This year, within the Missouri FFA Association, I want to leave a legacy centered around the idea of enhancing the lives of others by adding value. As a freshman, I initially felt timid upon joining FFA. However, the support and encouragement from fellow members helped me break out of my shell, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. Now, as I take on a leadership role, my hope is to serve as a role model, inspiring others to embrace their potential and make a positive impact in the lives of those around them.

I will attend State Fair Community College. After receiving my associate’s degree, I will transfer to the University of Missouri to obtain a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications. With this degree, I plan to come back to my home community, Marshall, to start my own marketing business focusing on the marketing needs of agriculture establishments. My personal mission is to effectively convey the stories, challenges and contributions of Missouri farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. I can help educate the public, ultimately contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of our agricultural community.

A hidden talent I have that few people know about is my passion for playing the piano. At the age of 7, I started taking piano lessons from a family member. Being musically inclined opened many doors for me and helped my education immensely. My favorite places to play were at church, school and local nursing homes. Sadly, when I got into high school, I was not able to devote as much time. However, when I catch the occasional break, I will sit down and play a song. I hope to pick up my sheet music soon and play for the community again.

Missouri FFA members, take every opportunity you can. Coming from a small school outside of my high school district, I was timid. However, through FFA I was able to find “my people”. FFA is a great organization to network with other members, work on your personal development and, most of all, create memories. Although some opportunities may be more difficult than others, don’t get discouraged because when the going gets tough the tough get going. I encourage you to be bold and courageous, taking every opportunity you encounter.