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.
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.
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.
1
January 7
TBD
8:30 am
2
January 8
NCMC, Trenton
8:30 am & 12 pm
3
January 9
TSU, Kirksville
9:30 am
4
January 10
MU, Kirksville
9:00 am
5
January 9
Bowling Green
4:00 pm
6
January 7
Mohler Assembly Hall, MSF, Sedalia
12:00 pm
7
January 7
Mohler Assembly Hall, MSF, Sedalia
9:00 am
8/14 LU
January 6
Jefferson City
9:00 am
SW 1
January 8
MSU
8:30 am
SW 2
January 8
MSU
11:30 am
SW 3
January 9
MSU
8:30 am
SW 4
January 9
MSU
11:30 am
SW 5
January 10
MSU
8:30 am
13
January 7
Waynesville
1:30 pm
13
January 8
MSU – West Plains
8:30 am
14
January 7
Sullivan HS
8:30 am
15
January 9
La Croix Methodist Church, Cape Girardeau
9:00 am
16
January 8
TRCC, Poplar Bluff
2:30 pm
Missouri Agricultural Education Director and Missouri FFA Association State Advisor, Keith Dietzschold, was named Outstanding State Supervisor. He was honored by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE) during the organization’s annual conference, held October 22 in Indianapolis, Ind. Each year, NASAE recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to agricultural education.Dietzschold’s tenure in agricultural education spans over 40 years and has been marked by grit, organization and unwavering support for the industry. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Missouri (MU) in 1982 and completed a Master’s in Education, Agriculture Education emphasis in December 1984.
A former agricultural education instructor and FFA advisor, Dietzschold taught in Chillicothe, Cameron and Lathrop before joining the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in 2011. In July 2021, he was named director of Missouri Agricultural Education.
According to retired National FFA Officer, Paxton Dahmer, in his recommendation letter, “Mr. Dietzschold has a unique ability to focus on traditions, while also being a visionary leader in our state to ensure that more students are able to reap the benefits of agricultural education than ever before. Mr. Dietzschold truly believes in agricultural education’s ability to transform young people into productive, employable members of society, and this belief is a driving force in his everyday role.”
As director of agricultural education and state FFA advisor, Dietzschold oversees Missouri’s agricultural education program, including the state’s 361 FFA chapters and 26,968 members. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
12 recipients from Missouri
Individuals who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education, or FFA are eligible for the Honorary American FFA Degree. Additionally, teachers who have created high-quality agricultural education programs, which inspire and motivate their students to strive for success, are eligible.
Friends of Missouri FFA—Dean Christopher Daubert, CAFNR, University of Missouri, Brad Driskill, State Fair Community College Agriculture Director, Bradley Schad, CEO, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Eric Volmer, Senior Director of Field Services, Missouri Farm Bureau, Cyndi Young-Puyear, Director of Brownfield Ag News & Learfield Ag, Erin Glarner, Director, Industry Relations, American Soybean Association.
Current Instructors—Kerriann Brandt, Monroe City, Matthew Pendergrass, Doniphan, Amanda Reid, Concordia, Ellen Romero, Russellville, Martha Schreiman, Santa Fe, Devin Garland, Wellington-Napoleon.
29 Chapters received the highest chapter rating awarded – 3 Star – (Ashland, Aurora, Boonville, Bowling Green, California, Canton, Carthage, Centralia, Eldon, Exeter, Galena, Marshall, Mexico, Montgomery Co R-II, Mount Vernon, Neosho, Nixa, Osceola, Paris, Pettis Co. R-V, Rich Hill, Seneca, Slater, Sweet Springs, Trenton, Troy, Union and West Plains)
8 Chapters received the second highest chapter rating awarded—2 Star – (Brunswick, Carrollton, Eldorado Springs, Farmington, Madison, Richmond, Tipton, Van-Far)
The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
The Osceola FFA Chapter was in the top three in the nation within the Strengthening Agriculture division of the National Chapter Award Program. Centralia was in the top ten within the Strengthening Agriculture division of the National Chapter Award Program.
The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers studying the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. The agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels.
National FFA is partnering with other organizations to create a variety of National FFA Endorsed Activities. National FFA staff has vetted these opportunities to ensure relevance and quality. Recognition will not take place at national convention, however it can be held in a similar timeframe as the National FFA Convention.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Nationally, students can compete for awards in 44 areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management (see areas below). Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members that are exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.
8 National Finalist – top four in the nation based on their work based program.
National Winners:
Talent Show—Missouri was well represented this year on the talent stage.
Also performing on stages in venues around the National Convention:
FFA members focus on skill development and career preparation through participation in Career Development Events and Leadership Development Events. These competitive events develop individual responsibility, foster teamwork and promote communication while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. Successful members expand their knowledge base by interacting with peers, teachers, as well as business and community leaders to gain a complete and comprehensive knowledge about specific career and leadership areas.
Individuals earning spots in the top 10 individuals also receiving a gold rating are as follows:
CDE/LDE Participants or teams rankings are as follows:
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