Agriscience projects give students real-world, hands-on experience
Congratulations to the following State winners in the 2025 State Agriscience Fair. Their applications will be submitted for national competition this month.
During the last few weeks, I have been quite busy. Between preparing for State Convention, being a full time college student and fulfilling the rest of my state officer duties, you could certainly say that these few weeks have been stressful.
On a recent drive home from college, I started thinking about all of the busyness the spring can bring. Contest teams, spring sports and school work are most likely just a few of the things that can make this time of year hectic. Not to mention, worrying about the future. What will I do after high school? What college do I want to attend? What job or career do I want to have after that? During the second semester of my senior year of high school, I was constantly asking myself questions about the future. How could I get to where I wanted to be? What will happen in the future? These questions not only added stress to my life, but sometimes made me question myself and my work ethic.
This all changed when one of my teachers told me something that I would never forget. “Be where your feet are.” When my teacher told me this, I was first left asking myself exactly what she meant. And then, I realized what she had been trying to tell me all along. When we get in a rush in life, many times we forget to slow down, be present and be in the moment. FFA members, always remember when life gets busy and stressful, be where your feet are!
In life, we often face challenges that can seem overwhelming at first. But sometimes, it takes a change in perspective to realize the growth opportunities hidden within those challenges. I had one of these moments while showing Hereford and Angus heifers at a local fair, and it changed the way I approach both agriculture and life.
At first, I was fixated on the end result: the ribbons, the trophies and the recognition. I thought winning was the only thing that mattered, and I obsessed over every detail to ensure success. However, during one of those long nights spent prepping my heifers, I realized that my approach was missing something important. The pressure to win was overshadowing the true essence of the experience. I shifted my focus to the process—the bond I was building with my animals, the responsibility I was learning to shoulder and the skills I was developing along the way.
Working with my Angus and Hereford heifers taught me far more than just how to raise livestock. It taught me patience, perseverance and the importance of hard work. These lessons align closely with the values of FFA: leadership, personal growth and career success. As I adjusted my sails, I realized that agriculture is not just about the prizes, but about the work, dedication and relationships that come with it.
As I look ahead to the future of agriculture, I know the ability to adapt and adjust when things do not go as planned is vital. Whether in the show ring or in life, learning to adjust your sails and stay focused on your journey is the true path to success. It is not always about where the wind blows, but how you set your course.
If there is one thing I have always struggled with, it is having determination for a task I see as impossible. I am sure all of us have been there – when we are given an assignment or task that seems like a lot of work without a beneficial outcome. While it is easy for us to feel that way, I have seen an inspiring show of determination from an unexpected place.
My two dogs, Gracie and Maggie, are both Brittneys, a dog breed trained for bird hunting. Neither of them were ever trained for bird hunting, but as with any dog breed that has a specific purpose, the instinct to chase birds is still there. Over spring break, we were out visiting a friend’s farm when my dogs spotted two geese on the small lake on the property. Instinct kicked in, and suddenly, they were diving into the lake, ready to swim down the geese.
The geese, however, were ready to throw in a challenge. They would repeatedly fly from one end of the lake to the other, and my dogs, not missing a beat, would do a u-turn and follow after them. This went on for 30 minutes, without either dog leaving the lake. It only ended when the geese flew off, and my dogs were forced to abandon their chase.
As silly as this story is, it has gotten me thinking. Yes, it was obvious from the shore that no matter how hard they swam, Gracie and Maggie would not be able to catch the geese in this scenario. But they still put their all into attempting it because they had faith they would succeed even when my family and I did not.
And so, I challenge you to consider this: what would our likelihood of completing difficult tasks be if we faced them with a dog’s determination?
Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, also known as MAbA (pronounced ma-buh) has awarded more than 1,000 academy memberships to high school sophomores through a competitive application and interview process. Students are selected to participate in a year-long professional development opportunity that introduces them to industry leaders, personal growth and careers in agriculture. To be eligible for MAbA, students must come from a farming family or be an active FFA or 4-H member. The program is facilitated by the Missouri Department of Agriculture under the Department’s MORE Strategic Vision that works to empower the next generation of agriculture.
The 2024 Missouri Agribusiness Academy toured the Springfield area last June. MAbA participants had a variety of unique experiences, from volunteering at a food bank to learning about beef, aquaculture, and more. They also heard from speakers on leadership and career development. Following the summer tour, the 2024 class participated in Missouri State Fair activities and a Legislative Day event at the State Capitol. Missouri FFA is proud of these 30 students for their dedication to the future of Missouri agriculture.
“Gentrie, never settle for less. Be you, it’s okay to not go along with the crowd.”
My mom always told me this growing up, especially in high school and throughout life in general. Usually when she would tell me this, I would let it go in one ear and out the other. I didn’t see the point. However, per usual, I was wrong!
High school can be difficult. This is a time where we start making connections with others, learning the balance of a social life with work and academics. We start making plans for the future and become independent while gaining responsibility. Personally, my priorities were always academics, work and, at the top, FFA. I loved high school. I had a small group of friends, but it wasn’t always the “cool” crowd. There were times I wished I was “like them”. Looking back now, I am grateful for the experience I had.
We have all heard the terms unique, different, “going against the grain.”, etc. These are more than words, but a testament to the strength it takes for us to stay true to ourselves. In a world where we try to fit in with the crowd through social media or social groups, we become lost and forget our self value. Embracing our values and setting expectations for ourselves is an act of courage and confidence. In FFA, we are taught the importance of setting goals and striving for excellence — not just in our agricultural life, but in living a life where we never lower our standards. We all have something to bring to the table: a positive attitude, words of encouragement, peace, experience, wisdom, the list can go on!
When trying to think of a phrase to encapsulate this, I came back to a conversation I had with my parents in January. We were talking about what our hashtags were going to be walking into 2025. At the time, I didn’t know. But over the month as I interacted with others, my personal expectations started to fall. Fortunately, I was reminded “never settle for less, be you, don’t go with the crowd.” Then it came, #OldSchool.
Remember it’s okay to stand out and be different. Embrace it, never settle for less. Trust in your journey because every step you take with integrity and determination will lead you to where you are meant to be. Exceed expectations and inspire those around you to do the same in creating an atmosphere of success that will leave an impact. Think of it as being old school!
Disney’s “Finding Nemo” is one of my favorite films of all time. Something about the animation and the plot have always lured me in, but if I’m honest, there’s one character I’m particularly drawn to. Dory, the enthusiastic blue tang fish, is not only lovable but also unreasonably optimistic in the face of adversity. As my admiration for Dory grew, so did my love for her catchphrase “just keep swimming.”
My sophomore year of high school I was busy swimming in the sea of FFA contest season when the tide started to turn. I was competing at a district public speaking event when, for the fourth time in a row, I struck out. Immediately my cheeks started to burn and I could feel the hot tears welling up in my eyes. A hurricane of hurt swirled in my mind as I questioned if I would ever find success in public speaking. I had told myself that if I “just kept swimming” things would eventually go my way. Little did I know, I was forcing myself to swim through a sea of resentment, pain and worry. That night, as I climbed into the car with my Mema, she delivered a line I hold with me to this day. She said, “Mikaela, you’re never going to go anywhere feeling sorry for yourself. Get up and have the courage to try again.”
Missouri FFA members, how beautiful is it that we have countless opportunities to try again? Dory is such a special character to me because she has learned to stop watering the weeds in her life. Instead of worrying about what she is not, she chooses to embrace her feelings and everything that makes her unique. My life changed when I stopped watering the weeds in my heart and allowed a garden to grow. How will you cultivate your garden today to ensure success grows tomorrow?
FCS Financial has awarded over $258,000 in Shaping Rural Missouri Grants since 2012, empowering Missouri 4-H and FFA organizations to improve their rural communities. The program provides $500 grants to support youth-led projects that foster positive change and development.
These grants enable clubs and chapters to implement impactful initiatives, making their communities better places to live. FCS Financial encourages collaboration with local organizations to maximize project success.
In 2024, FCS Financial funded 81 projects across Missouri, including building picnic tables, painting buildings, planting trees, and revitalizing downtown areas.
Missouri 4-H and FFA organizations are encouraged to apply for the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant by April 1, 2025. Applications and more information are available online at myfcsfinancial.com/about-us/shaping-rural-missouri or by calling 1-800-369-3276 ext. 1173.
All too often, I get stuck in the endless cycle of scrolling through social media on my phone or mindlessly texting people about the most random topics, and I am sure there are a lot of people who can relate. I find myself constantly responding to texts with things like “LOL,” meaning “laugh out loud,” or simply, “haha,” when most of the time, I don’t even let out a chuckle. This forced me to wonder about all the things we do out of habit with no meaning whatsoever. Scrolling through our phones, texting someone that I “laughed out loud” without actually laughing at all, and asking someone how they are but not listening to their response all came to my mind.
Soon, I found myself contemplating why we waste so much of our lives doing things for no apparent reason. Why do I spend so much time watching videos that provide me with no entertainment or satisfaction? Why do I ask people how they are doing if I don’t take the time to truly listen to what they say? Why do I take the time to text someone something that I never actually did? All of these questions forced me to look at my life from a different perspective and made me think of one of my favorite songs by Wyatt Flores, “Running Out of Time.” In this song, it states, “most people die at 27, get buried at 72,” which proves the more we do these mindless activities, the less we are living. The less we are making the most of each minute of our lives.
Missouri FFA, it’s never too late to start living during your time in our organization. Another line in the song is, “so, do what makes you feel alive.” This is my challenge for you. Don’t take for granted the time you have in FFA, or on earth, because to be honest, it truly is too short. Wake up before you can’t give another speech, before you can’t do another CDE, before you unzip your blue jacket for the last time. Missouri FFA, laugh out loud and do what makes you feel alive … we’re running out of time.
I had never thought that I would enjoy a barnwarming until I began as a state officer. Barnwarming at my home chapter was filled with dancing and chili, but I was not much of a dancer. Until, I found myself one night in November at the Area 7 barnwarming with a couple of my fellow state officers, and numerous members of this amazing organization. I walked in and was pleased to see a whole team of area officers decked out to match the barnwarming theme of USA. From that point forward I knew this was going to be a great night. As each of the members walked in and they received beads to wear, the party was on. However, as I was going on about the night I couldn’t help thinking of all the other things I had to do the rest of the week. My homework, chores, taking my car to get new tires, work, so many things were distracting me. Thinking of just the future was taking me away from the present. I was out of the moment and missing out on the opportunity to visit and make memories with the people around me. Be present in the moment. These words are something I constantly have to say to myself. Way too often I believe we find ourselves focusing on the future. While it is important to think of our future, we must not forget to live in the moment. We only have so many moments and memories to make in FFA. So be present in your moments. Take advantage of the opportunities that FFA is offering you, whether that is new friends, a new skill, or a chance to step out of your comfort zone. Missouri FFA, be present in the moment.
“I can’t wait to follow my dreams! But I’ll do that once I get out of school.”
“Well, life is busy now. I’ll do it once I have a job.”
“This job takes up so much of my time. I’ll chase that dream after I have a family.”
“My family is at home, so I can’t do it now. But I will when my kids move out of the house.”
“My kids are out and retirement is around the corner! That’s when I’ll start chasing my dream.”
“But, now I have grandkids… maybe after they get older….”
This cycle of excuses will continue until it doesn’t have time to anymore. What was once a dream waiting to come true as a teenager can quickly turn into a distant memory.
Sometimes, in the hustle of life, we find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of dreams that, in hindsight, might not even be our own. We chase after goals set by the expectations others have for us and lose sight of what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.
It’s only in these moments of stillness and reflection that we can find the courage to redirect ourselves back to our own path, embracing the passions and aspirations that we have seemed to hide deep within our hearts.
Each and every one of us has different dreams. Each and every one of us also has an excuse to go along with it.
So, take a moment and think of your dream. What is stopping you from chasing it? Do you want to look back on your life wishing you would have taken the next step when you had the time?
Life is never going to slow down, so it’s your job to embrace the time you have now.
No dream is too big unless your courage is too small. Whether you want to start a business, pick up a new hobby or live in a van and travel across the country, take the next step. Don’t let an excuse keep you from achieving the desires of your heart.
So, fill in the blank with your dream. Speak it out loud.
“My dream is ______________, and I am courageous enough to take the next step to accomplish it.”
Tomorrow is not promised, and life is too short to regret what could have been. Take the chance. Be courageous.
No dream is too big unless your courage is too small.
In life, true strength often comes from embracing vulnerability, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Two years ago, I learned this lesson the hard way. During a football game, I took a helmet to the back of my knee, dislocating my tibia and tearing both my ACL and lateral meniscus. What followed was a painful journey of physical and emotional recovery where I discovered strength doesn’t come from avoiding vulnerability, it comes from facing it head on.
The road to recovery wasn’t easy. For months, I endured countless hours of physical therapy, pushing through pain, frustration and self-doubt. My body wasn’t cooperating, and I often found myself questioning whether I would ever be able to return to the field. But in those moments of struggle, I realized overcoming obstacles isn’t just about raw physical strength, it’s about resilience, determination and accepting help when needed.
As an FFA member, we understand hard work and perseverance are essential to overcoming any challenge. Agriculture has a rich history of overcoming adversity, from the struggles farmers faced during the Dust Bowl to the modern-day challenges of maintaining a farm or ranch. Those who persevered through these hardships didn’t shy away from vulnerability, they leaned into it, drawing strength from their community and their determination to keep going.
In the same way, I’ve learned that life’s struggles are not something to fear or avoid. Instead, they are opportunities to grow, improve and become stronger. It’s in facing these challenges, being vulnerable and pushing forward that we truly find our strength.
I was recently driving home after a long week of classes at Missouri State, and I passed the local John Deere dealership just outside of Springfield. As I drove by and looked at the sea of green equipment, I immediately thought of everything John Deere is known for as a company. Excellent customer service, outstanding tractors and the beautiful green paint that every piece of equipment is doused in are just a few of the reasons why John Deere is one of the largest and most successful companies in the world. After I drove by the dealership, I thought to myself, just as John Deere is recognized by green paint, we as individuals are recognized by how we conduct ourselves and how we treat other people. I’m sure many people have heard the phrase, “There’s always somebody watching.” This has been preached to me by my parents for years, and I can say without a doubt they were 100% right. People are always watching to see how we treat other people, how we act with our friends and how hard we work. Just as John Deere is a brand that is known around the world for customer service, tractors and green paint, we too are known by our work ethic, our behavior around our closest friends and our willingness to help others. How will you create your own brand?