Grant Cottrell, Washington

VICE PRESIDENT 2026-27

My SAEs include Sheep Production Entrepreneurship and three placement jobs: Dairy  Production Placement, Ag Mechanics and Fabrication, and Agricultural Processing

I wanted to serve as a Missouri FFA State Officer due to the many experiences I have had in the blue jacket. While in FFA, I was able to grow as an individual and push past my comfort zone. During my freshman year, I was inspired by a past state officer, Cody Garver, who helped show me you don’t have to be a traditional ag kid to join FFA. There is a place for everyone in FFA. Whether you are in FFA because your family was involved or your friends dragged you into the classroom, there is a place for you. Throughout this next year, I  want to help inspire members to push past their comfort zone and find their passion within FFA.

The legacy I would like to leave with Missouri FFA members throughout my year of service would be encouragement to face their fears. Within FFA, you have thousands of decisions on how you want to remember your experience after you hang up your blue jacket for the final time. Whether you are the person who decides to apply to all the camps and attend everything or the person who enjoys contest season and making lifelong connections, at some point, you decided to go out, try something new and face a fear that was holding you back. There is a quote I try to live by: “FEAR has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything and Rise.” This quote is very true for many FFA members. Somewhere along the line, they wanted to run away and forget everything, but they chose to rise and face the fear. The one decision every FFA member made was to join an ag class. So, when that fear is holding you back, remember you already made the hard decision to join FFA, and it is time to face your fears and rise to the challenge.

My plans for the future are to attend the State Technical College of Missouri, focusing on getting my Associate’s Degree in precision machining technology. After my two years at State Technical College of Missouri, I will continue working at Homeyer Precision Manufacturing, where I will work full time as a Machinist. I also plan to return to become active as a volunteer and an alumni member of local organizations that helped shape me, such as 4-H, the Washington and Franklin County FFA Alumni, and help volunteer at my local Career and Technical Education program.

My advice to FFA members is not to waste their time in the blue jacket. Your time is limited, so take advantage of all the opportunities that are in front of you. Whether that be attending camps, going to contests, meeting new friends or going to National or State Convention. Take advantage of those opportunities and grow from those experiences. Simply saying yes to a new experience can open the door to new possibilities.