Blog – Page 2 – Missouri FFA and Agriculture Education

Jan 20 2026

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

2025-2026, Abigayle Lett

Abigayle Lett, 2025-26 VP

In agriculture, we learn very early on that storms are unavoidable. Crops face droughts, floods, pests and unpredictable weather, but farmers keep planting. That lesson carries far beyond the field. FFA members face different storms of their own. For me, I’ve felt them during tough contest seasons, challenges in my SAE project that didn’t go as planned, and times when balancing school, FFA and life felt very overwhelming. In those moments, it can feel like the rain will never stop. But there’s a line from a song that always reminds me to keep going: “every storm runs out of rain, every dark night turns into day.”

Missouri FFA is built on growth through adversity. Throughout my FFA journey, I’ve learned strong leadership doesn’t come from easy days. Instead, it’s shaped by the hard ones. When I didn’t achieve a goal, lost a competition or questioned where I fit in, I quickly realized those moments became the soil where resilience grew. Just like crops need rain to develop strong roots, the challenges we face as FFA members push us all to grow stronger in character, confidence and determination.

The blue corduroy jacket we all wear represents more than achievements. It represents perseverance. Every emblem tells a different story of effort, learning and pushing through doubt. Behind every successful FFA member is a season where quitting feels like it is the only way, but we keep going anyway. Agriculture reminds us that after the rain comes growth. The fields recover, crops grow stronger and people do, too. When one storm ends, it creates space for new opportunities, clearer skies and fresh beginnings just like that dark night turning into day. So when the clouds feel heavy, I remember this: every storm runs out of rain. Keep showing up and keep trusting the process.

Dec 19 2025

The Roots of Resilience

2025-2026, Taylor Nothdurft

107

Taylor Nothdurft, 2025-26 VP

For as long as I can remember, I have admired the way growth happens in nature. Farmers know that seeds do not sprout instantly. They must be planted, watered and nurtured. They face storms, cold nights and dry spells, yet with time and care, they grow into something strong and fruitful.

Life works the same way. Every effort we make, every challenge we face, every moment we push ourselves is like planting a seed. Sometimes it feels as if nothing is happening. We might not see immediate results, and it is easy to wonder if our hard work is worth it.

Still, the roots are growing. Every small act of persistence strengthens us, prepares us and shapes who we are becoming. Challenges do not mean failure. They are part of the process, building resilience and teaching lessons we will carry forward. Just like the farmer trusts the soil, we must trust the process of growth, even when it is not visible.

Whether you are raising crops, guiding a student, leading a team, or raising a family, remember this: the seeds you plant today will shape the harvest of tomorrow. Care for them, nurture them and be patient. Growth takes time, but it is always happening.

Dec 16 2025

Camp Rising Sun – 80 Years of Tradition

2025-2026, Trending Now

107

By: Teresa Briscoe, Missouri FFA Association Executive Secretary

Article prepared for Footnote Friday

Camp Rising Sun – From the Beginning

Grant Norfleet, posing at Camp Rising Sun sign

Grant Norfleet, the 2023-24 National FFA Secretary from Mexico, Missouri, posing with the Camp Rising Sun sign.

A bit of history of the area helps in understanding the area and development of the group camp named “Camp Rising Sun”. In the early 1930’s the National Park Service established the park. The construction of Bagnell Dam, a man-made hydroelectric power source built by the (CCC) Civilian Conservation Corps was the focal point. In 1934, with the establishment of Lake Ozark, the area was identified as a Designated Recreational Area (RDA). Gravel roads, buildings, bridges and public beaches were developed which created the initial park infrastructure. In 1946, the federal government transferred the park to the State of Missouri.

In 1945, the very first Missouri FFA Camp was held, making 2025 the 80^th consecutive year for an in-person FFA camp to be held at Camp Rising Sun in Kaiser, Missouri (located in the Lake of the Ozarks State Park). During the 80 years of camps being held at Camp Rising Sun Camp the Covid years did not close the camp but there was a reduced attendance.

The other noteworthy thing about Camp Rising Sun is the fact that Missouri FFA does not own the camp. Each year the facilities are rented by the Missouri FFA Association for six weeks in June and July. The group camp was named Camp Rising Sun prior to World War II, however following the war there was a bit of controversy with the rising sun and the sun on the Japanese national flag. It was resolved and the name remains.

The park rangers and staff seem to have a soft spot for FFA members along with the values they represent as shown by one special feature that was added. The exact year is unknown, but one park ranger had concrete poured for the flag pole and had the eagle portion of the FFA emblem embedded. It is worn through the years but is still present today in the concrete surrounding the flagpole.

Lakeland FFA Chapter attends Camp Rising Sun. Article from St. Clair County Courier, Osceola, Missouri, February 25, 2000

A group of FFA campers. From the St. Clair County Courier, Osceola, Missouri, February 25, 2000

There are many traditions that have been continued. One such tradition is the writing of a postcard home to be turned in at breakfast the first morning you are at camp. The old joke was that you couldn’t eat breakfast if you didn’t turn in a postcard. This may seem a bit antiquated in today’s digital world but during the early years of the camp parents appreciated a card letting them know that their children made it safely. In addition, it was and still is a learning exercise in writing a letter, and addressing envelopes/postcards.

Another tradition is the dances which are held for evening entertainment during the week-long camp. In early days the attendees (young ladies) from a nearby Girl Scout camp were invited to come to Camp Rising Sun for a fun evening of square dancing. With the admission of girls into FFA there was no need to invite other camping groups to join the dances. The style of dance also progressed through the years from square dancing to mostly line dancing at the current camp.

Attendees at early camps attended leadership sessions where speakers often shared new information but one of the main points was actually community service. Early campers helped to clear paths and to establish paths to the waterfront as well as the various buildings located on the camping area. The days also included swim time in a designated area of Lake Ozark.

One of the original buildings still in use today is the Recreation Hall, affectionately referred to as the “Rec Hall”, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. When a person explores this building, it is obvious that it has withstood the test of time. In the basement there is a stone fireplace with stone walls to the room. With the stone walls and shaded location this space is typically one of the coolest spots in the camp. It is also one that is used when storms arise and campers are required to take shelter.

As you look through the rest of the building you can tell it has been well used for many types of events. Many leadership sessions are held in that facility during each summer. With the addition of benches it can seat somewhere over 250 people, however during the heat of summer large fans are required to keep campers comfortable. It is not air conditioned. In rainy years dances have been moved into the “Rec Hall” rather than on the concrete volleyball court. Also, awards sessions at the end of camp have been held in the Rec Hall rather than on the outdoor amphitheater.

Historical image from Young Farmer Camp at Camp Rising Sun

I believe this photo is of one of the “Young Farmer” camps where husbands, wives and children attended. In the background you can see the enormous fireplace and walls inside the Recreation Hall which are still there today. On the mantle is the station marker for the FFA Advisor.

Personally, I recall my father telling me of his experiences at Camp Rising Sun. In the late 1950’s he and my mother attended a Young Farmers camp for the weekend. From the stories I remember that specific camp included recreation along with some educational offerings where “modern” farm practices were discussed. Of course, I had to ask if husband and wives stayed in the same cabins and was informed in no uncertain terms that women were in their own cabin and men were in other cabins.

In the early days the cabins or barracks were more primitive than they are today with just bunk beds being in them with each bed having a small area where each camper could store their possessions during the week of camp. There was one common bathhouse for use by all campers. The addition of girls as members of FFA necessitated a change in bathing and restroom facilities. Cabins were updated with showers and restroom being in each. When I first attended FFA camp in the summer of 1972, with one of my friends, we were the third and fourth females to ever attend. I remember that there was quite a bit of confusion about where we would stay, and it was eventually decided that we would stay in the “Cook’s Cabin” since the other cabins were full. The next year there were a few more girls and we stayed in the one cabin that was split and had its own rest room. Each year the number of girls has increased until girls often outnumber boys at camp.

Another tradition that has been continued for many years at Camp Rising Sun was earning “Leadership Medals”. Campers are given the option to attend a wide variety of sessions ranging from trap-shooting to instructional swimming and leadership sessions ranging from table etiquette to advocating for agriculture. Each session is valued with leadership points which are signed off on by State FFA Officers and camp staff. A camper can choose to try to earn a medal or can go just to have fun with friends. Each year over one third of the attendees try to earn their leadership medal.

Abby Miller tells of her experience at Camp Rising Sun. From The Advertiser, Eldon, Missouri, June 29, 2017

Attending FFA camp remains a highlight for many FFA advisors and members. It is a time to connect or reconnect with friends, to get away from the ag building and to try new things. Camp isn’t for everyone; however camp has something for everyone. Having attended Camp Rising Sun as a camper, advisor and now as a state staff member I have seen numerous changes and upgrades. I can honestly say that “Camp Rising Sun” holds a special place in the history of the Missouri FFA Association.

Dec 16 2025

Taking a Step into my Jacket

2025-2026, Braxton Watts

109

Braxton Watts, 2025-26 VP

The summer before my freshman year, I went to Camp Rising Sun for the first time. Excited and a little nervous, I borrowed my dad’s older FFA jacket for the week. It fit big on me, and it didn’t have my name stitched on the front.

Before I got off the bus when we arrived, my advisor stopped me and made me promise something: to take every opportunity camp offered. Leadership sessions, public speaking contests, volleyball, softball, meeting new people, everything. At the time, it felt like a lot, but I agreed. And I’m glad I did.

During FFA camp, on Thursday we wear our FFA jackets when we go into town. I remember putting my jacket on, zipping it up, and walking to the buses. I was proud to wear an FFA jacket for the first time. Throughout the night, wearing my borrowed jacket, I kept hearing people who hadn’t learned my name yet call me by my dad’s. It was strange to have someone else’s name attached to me, especially as I was just beginning to figure out who I was in the blue jacket.

Still, wearing that nameless jacket taught me something important. A jacket isn’t powerful because of the name on the front. It’s powerful because of the values and opportunities stitched into the person wearing it. That week at Camp Rising Sun reminded me that FFA isn’t just about recognition; it’s about stepping up, trying new things, and creating your own story in the blue jacket.

Eventually, I earned a jacket with my own name on it. But I’ll always remember that first week, the week I learned that leadership isn’t given with a stitched name. It’s built in the moments when you say yes, take chances, and make the jacket your own.

And if you’re reading this, maybe you’re wearing a jacket that doesn’t quite fit yet, or maybe it doesn’t have your name stitched on the front. That’s okay. The jacket isn’t what makes you a leader. Every choice you make, every opportunity you take, every moment you step up, that’s what fills the sleeves, zips the zipper, and makes the jacket truly yours. So wear it proudly, even if it feels too big right now. Your story is just beginning, and the jacket will grow with you.

Dec 16 2025

No Matter What

2025-2026, Cash Honeycutt

109

Cash Honeycutt, 2025-26 VP

Every year in the United States one of the biggest sporting events in the world happens. The legendary horse race known as the Kentucky Derby, which is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, a highly coveted award that few have ever won. Many legendary horses have won this race and have been celebrated all over the world. Legends such as Secretariat, War Admiral, Seattle Slew, and the recent legend American Pharoah. What do these horses have in common? Aside from being legendary triple crown winners, these horses have the look of a champion. The champions are large, sleek, beautiful, the champions have that look and often those who don’t have it aren’t champions.

However, every once in a while lightning strikes. A little colt was born. He was everything but a champion. His father had earned over a million dollars as a race horse, however he did little to impress anyone when he was born. He was small, skinny, and simply put, ugly. He was sold almost immediately without a second thought for the price of $9,500 which in the racehorse world is rock bottom.

Two cowboys from New Mexico bought him. They believed in the little colt despite everyone telling them they had no chance. Eventually he made it as an alternate to the Kentucky Derby. Already outperforming what anyone expected. He arrived in a truck and trailer driven all the way from New Mexico with two men in cowboy hats. Every other horse was flown in, all the other owners wore fancy suits, but not his. Then another horse pulled out of the race allowing Mine That Bird to enter the race, as a 50-1 underdog —the second longest shot to ever run in the Kentucky Derby. When the gates opened he sat last as expected, as the field came around the last turn he sat around the 10th position. But all of a sudden his jockey saw a gap in the horses and he exploded through it. Mine That Bird won the Derby by 6 ¾ lengths, the longest margin of victory in 60 years. Mine That Bird now enjoys retirement in New Mexico after earning over $2.2 Million dollars racing.

While every indication showed him and his owners that he wouldn’t belong, he proved that he belonged no matter what. At times you might feel like you don’t belong or people might try to tell you that you don’t belong. Maybe you didn’t grow up on a farm, maybe your parents weren’t in FFA or even know what FFA is. But I encourage you to remember that here you will always belong no matter what.

Dec 16 2025

The Storm is Essential

2025-2026, Sophia Geppert

107

Sophia Geppart, 2025-26 VP

For as long as I can remember, winter has always been my favorite season. A time of joy, laughter, and fellowship fill the air as we reconnect with loved ones during the holiday season. Everyone looks forward to the end of the year and celebrating memories made. The anticipation was worth the wait and families cherish the time spent together. As time passes, the joy of the holiday season falls and we are left with the gloomy section of winter: the ice and the cold. This part of the season is why it’s my favorite.

Even though the weather may be gloomy, this is when some of the most important events happen. When the ice and snow hit our fields, an essential process is taking place. As this precipitation melts, it provides much needed water to refuel and prepare the fields for the upcoming growing season. Without this gloomy weather, our fields will slow down the growing process.

There will be times in our lives when we are stuck in the gloomy part of the season. We may get caught up in the nastiness of a hard class, trouble between friends, or an unforeseen circumstance. This is our growing season. By weathering the ice and snow of our lives, we come out stronger. These challenges make us who we are and help us grow. If we understand how essential this storm is, we will better appreciate the growth on the other side. Missouri FFA, don’t forget that the storm is essential.

Dec 13 2025

The Farmer Behind The Blue Jacket

2025-2026, Harlee Beck

106

Harlee Beck, 2025-26 VP

Duck season always brings me back to one moment that shaped more of who I am than I realized at the time. I was young—small enough that the equipment felt twice my size, and inexperienced enough that the idea of actually hitting a duck felt impossible. The morning was cold and still, the kind of stillness that makes every sound sharper. The ducks had settled perfectly into the decoys, and I stood there frozen between excitement and fear.

My grandpa came up beside me, steady and sure, like he always was. He gently rested his hands over mine and helped me hold the equipment just right. “Breathe,” he whispered, “You’ve got it.” That was all. No pressure. No long instructions. Just quiet guidance from someone who believed in me long before I believed in myself.

When the sound echoed and that duck dropped, everything changed. It wasn’t just about hunting—it was about stepping into a moment I wasn’t sure I was ready for, and realizing that the people who love you can turn fear into courage with just a little support.

I didn’t know it then, but that moment on the water was the beginning of understanding what it means to be “the farmer behind the blue jacket.”

Because whether you grow up on a family farm or in a subdivision, whether you’ve bottle-fed calves or only seen them from the highway, the blue jacket isn’t always about where you come from—it’s about who you’re becoming.

It’s about soaking up the people around you: the grandparents who teach you patience, the advisors who see potential before you do, the teammates who walk alongside you, and the friends who feel like home. It’s in those everyday voices, stories, and small moments of encouragement that your purpose quietly takes shape.

This year as a state officer, I’ve learned that agriculture isn’t defined by acres or animals. It’s defined by people. By hearts willing to serve. By minds eager to learn. By students who may never set foot on a farm but still choose to be advocates, leaders, innovators, and caretakers of our world’s most important industry. The next generation of agriculturalists isn’t limited to one kind of background—it’s built by those who are willing to grow where they’re planted.

I’ve also learned that purpose doesn’t usually arrive all at once. It settles in slowly, like a sunrise spreading across a field. Sometimes it comes during a long drive home, sometimes during a workshop, sometimes during a small conversation with a member who reminds you why you said yes to this journey. And sometimes, it comes from memories of the people who shaped you—memories you hold tighter as the years go on.

So soak up the moments. Soak up the laughter around kitchen tables, the long nights in ag rooms, the mentors who correct you gently, and the teammates who push you higher. Soak up the love that surrounds you now, because one day those moments will be treasures tucked into your heart.

Behind every blue jacket is a story. A purpose. A foundation. A quiet shaping from the people who walked with you.

That’s the farmer behind the blue jacket.
And that’s who you’re becoming.

Nov 25 2025

2026 Greenhand Motivational Conferences

Trending Now

AREA

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

January 9

Maryville, NWMSU

8:30 am

January 8

NCMC, Trenton

8:30 am & 12 pm

January 7

TSU, Kirksville

9:30 am

January 6

MU, Columbia

9:00 am

January 6

Bowling Green

4:00 pm

January 6

Mohler Assembly Hall, MSF, Sedalia

9:00 am

January 6

Mohler Assembly Hall, MSF, Sedalia

12:00 pm

8/14 LU

January 5

Jefferson City

9:00 am

SW 1

January 7

MSU

8:30 am

SW 2

January 7

MSU

11:30 am

SW 3

January 8

MSU

8:30 am

SW 4

January 8

MSU

11:30 am

SW 5

January 9

MSU

8:30 am

January 6

Waynesville

1:30 pm

January 7

MSU – West Plains

8:30 am

January 6

Sullivan HS

8:30 am

January 8

La Croix Methodist Church, Cape Girardeau

9:00 am

January 7

TRCC, Poplar Bluff

2:30 pm

Nov 25 2025

Slow Down and Take It In

2025-2026, Gage Swindler

106

Gage Swindler, 2025-26 VP

If any of you are like me, you pride yourself by setting goals and putting in the work to achieve them. We all have our own goals and way of achieving them. Whether that’s graduating high school, getting good grades, making it to state on a contest team, or winning ballgames. It is important that we set goals for ourselves so we can push to become better and more successful.

Sometimes, however, we get so focused on the end results that we don’t take time to appreciate and soak in what is happening in the moment. Now that I have graduated from high school and started college, I realize how special those little moments are along the way. From long days in the classroom to exhausting practices on the ballfield, it’s easy to fly right through the moments, taking them all for granted, while we chase after our goals.

Keep chasing your goals with everything you have. These four years of high school will be some of the most memorable years of your life. Just remember to slow down and take it in because it will fly by before you know it.

Nov 06 2025

Missouri 2025 National Convention Results

Trending Now

Record number of American Degrees with 5,162 nationally and Missouri with 757, #1 in the Nation.
Record Attendance at the 98th National FFA Convention—over 73,000 members and guests.
Missouri had 27,416 members from 369 chapters.

The highest number of American FFA Degrees by state – 757 recipients – Missouri ranks 11th in overall FFA membership.
The American Degree is the Highest Degree that can bestowed on a FFA member – Less than one-half of 1% receive the degree. As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career.

Honorary American FFA Degree:

18 recipients from Missouri and 1 National VIP Award

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—

Dr. Mun Choi, President UM Systems-Columbia; Janet Adkison, Missouri Farm Bureau-Jefferson City; Brett Begemann, Retired COO of Monsanto/Bayer, St. Louis; Kate Lambert, FCS Financial, Chillicothe; Marie Davis, Northeast District Supervisor, Bowling Green; Dr. Andrew Clarke, University of Missouri, Columbia; Heather McKenzie and Nash McKenzie, Parents of Star Finalist, Boonville.

Current Instructors—

Tammy Bartholomew, Miami; Josh Bondy, Paris; Adam Brock, Higginsville; Darren Farmer, Polo; Kelly Lee, Braymer; John Osborn, Van Buren; Michelle Preslar, Fort Osage; Charles Simpson, Osceola; Kristy Sivils, Aurora; Sara White, Tuscumbia.

National VIP Award –

Keith Dietzschold, National FFA Board Member, Missouri Ag Ed Director, Jefferson City.

Chapter Recognition:

29 Chapters received the highest chapter rating awarded – 3 Star – (Ashland, Audrain Co. R-VI, Aurora, Boonville, Bowling Green, Brunswick, California, Carrollton, Carthage, Centralia, Chillicothe, Conway, Eldon, Eldorado Springs, Louisiana, Marshall, Montgomery Co R-II, Mount Vernon, Oak Ridge, Paris, Seneca, Slater, South Shelby, Sweet Springs, Tipton, Trenton, Troy, Union and West Plains)

8 Chapters received the second highest chapter rating awarded—2 Star – (Exeter, Farmington, Hollister, Mansfield, Monroe City, Nixa, Pleasant Hill, Savannah)

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 Centralia FFA Chapter was in the top ten in the nation in the Building Communities division of the National Chapter Award Program. Paris and Centralia were in the top ten within the Strengthening Agriculture division of the National Chapter Award Program.

AgriScience Fair:

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.

9 Missouri FFA agriscience fair projects (with 16 participants) placed in the top ten in the nation. Those teams or individuals were:

Jaden Decker & Jensen Decker	Centralia	Div. 4, Animal Systems	3rd place
Athena Wilson & Jaxon Marsh	Pleasant Hope	Div. 4, Env. Services & NRS	6th place
Alexis Peterman & Allie Yescas	Pleasant Hope	Div. 4, Food Prod & Processing	10th place
Arwen Mehl & Kylee Agee	Pleasant Hope	Div. 6, Food Prod & Processing	9th place
Kyra Keeling & Orrionna Mehl	Pleasant Hope	Div. 4, Plant Systems	6th place
Lexi Perryman	Pleasant Hope	Div. 5 Power, Struc & Tech	9th place
Brody Swindler	Carrollton ACC	Div. 3, Social Science	7th place
Ethan Pearce & Samuel Alvarez	Milan	Div. 4, Social Science	9th place
Isabel Morris & Lucy Conger	Rolla	Div. 6, Social Science	4th place

National FFA Endorsed Activities:

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.

North Shelby FFA won this competition with team members: Domenic Williams (High individual), Cooper Belt (2nd high individual), Jayli Rosendale (3rd high individual) and Kale Pollard (4th high individual).

Proficiency Awards:

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.

13 National Finalist – top four in the nation based on their work based program.

Agricultural Education—Lynn Dyer—Higginsville FFA—NATIONAL WINNER
Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance – Entrepreneurship-
Casey Vannoy – North Shelby FFA—NATIONAL WINNER
Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance – Placement –
Mitchell Herigon – Boonville FFA—NATIONAL WINNER
Agricultural Services-Ent./Placement-
Chase Hall – Clopton FFA – NATIONAL WINNER
Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship –
Madeliene Pollard – Lathrop FFA —NATIONAL WINNER
Landscape Installation – Ent./Placement –
Cordray Baker – Brookfield FFA—NATIONAL WINNER

Proficiency Awards (all below were in the top 4 in the nation)
- Diversified Horticulture Production – Ent./Placement—Destiny DeLeon- Milan FFA
- Envir. Science & Nat. Res. Mgmt. – Ent./Placement– Alexa Groeber – Montgomery City FFA
- Fruit & Nut Production – Ent./Placement – Troy Zielstra – Brunswick FFA
- Goat Production – James Baker – Memphis FFA
- Specialty Crop Production – Ent./Placement – Abigayle Lett – Odessa FFA
- Swine Production – Entrepreneurship – Grant Oaks – Newtown-Harris FFA
- Wildlife Prod & Mgmt – Ent./Placement – Carter Bell – Rich Hill FFA

Talent, Chorus and Band:

Talent Show—Missouri was well represented this year on the talent stage.

Emma Pitford—Clark Co. FFA
Kimberly Keith—Chillicothe FFA

Chorus—Missouri had ten participants including:

Elizabeth Davidson, Ash Grove; Karina Lopez, Aurora; Gabriela Pedron, Aurora; Victor Sallas, California; Gracie Sappington, Dadeville; Lexi Brown, Fairfax; Riley Wilson, Boonville; Tony Jennings, Gilman City; Jayce Campbell, Eldon; Shyliah Robinson, Neosho.

Band—Missouri had thirteen participants in the National FFA Band including:

Abigail Rice, Brunswick; Cody Schneider, California; Addy Gaulke, Smithville; Taylor Lauer, Hermann; Fletcher Shoemaker, Oran; Jeremiah Leonard, Cabool; Gracie Billue, Salisbury; Kiersten Eads, Eldon; Molly Goos, Silex; Kathryn Farmer, Polo; Laramie Fenimore, Gallatin; Kyra Hester, Monroe City; Tanner Lorenson, Monroe City.

#SpeakAg Video Contest—West Platte FFA won this competition.

Career and Leadership Development Events Summary

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:

HIGH individual-Samuel Schwanke, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
2nd place individual-Jared Johnston, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
6th place individual-Quintin Wiedeman, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
4th place individual-Adelynn, Elsberry-Agronomy
9th place individual-Ella Koch, Elsberry-Agronomy
6th place individual-Blaydn Buckwalter, Palmyra-Farm Management
5th place individual-Aiden Long, Neosho-Food Science
6th place individual-Mckenzie Noah, Neosho-Food Science
3rd place individual- Mackenzie Schmutzler, Savannah-Meats
8th place individual-Addison Neiderhouse, Savannah-Meats
10th place individual-Kaylee Farrell, Savannah-Meats
5th place individual—Adalyn Wiest, Neosho-Milk Quality & Products
4th place individual-Elliott Cooley, Green Ridge-Poultry Evaluation
9th place individual-Elyse Cooley, Green Ridge-Poultry Evaluation

CDE/LDE Participants or teams rankings are as follows:

Ag Communications-Versailles-Silver
Ag Issues Forum-Troy-5th place team, Gold
Ag Sales – Tipton—10th place team, Gold
Ag Mechanics –North Shelby— Winning Team
- (Team Members: Samuel Schwanke, Jared Johnston, Quintin Wiedeman, Kaden Hunolt)
Agronomy – Elsberry— 4th place team, Gold
Conduct of Meetings – Republic–Silver
Creed – Madelyn Simpson, Kirksville–Bronze
Dairy Cattle – Neosho–Silver
Employment Skills-Christian Siegel, Columbia-Bronze
Environmental and Natural Resources—Mr. Vernon—6th place team, Gold
Extemporaneous Speaking –Kristin Waters, Norborne—Bronze
Farm Business Management—Palmyra—6th place team, Gold
Floriculture – Palmyra—9th place team, Gold
Food Science – Neosho—3rd place team, Gold
Forestry – Forsyth-9th place team, Gold
Horse – Logan-Rogersville-4th place team, Gold
Livestock – Braymer–Gold
Meats – Savannah—4th place team, Gold
Milk Quality – Neosho—8th place team, Gold
Nursery/Landscape – Pleasant Hill—6th place team, Gold
Parliamentary Procedure – Troy—Gold
Poultry – Green Ridge—3rd place team, Gold
Public Speaking –Makala Methvin, Bolivar, Gold (semi-finalist)
Veterinary Science – Eldon, Silver

Nov 06 2025

The Best Time to Plant an Apple Tree

2025-2026, Ryatt Haggerman

105

Ryatt Haggerman, 2025-26 Secretary

Well, I hate to say it, but I think my high school days are well and truly behind me. As I write this blog post, I just finished my last official FFA contest. All those long nights studying, practicing and crying over contest season, my time has finally come to an end. As I look back on my experiences, I can’t help but wish I had done more with my time. All the different contests, events, and experiences I missed all because I was too scared to take the chance. I could have done so much more; I could have met people and made memories that would last a lifetime, but I didn’t. My time in high school has come and gone, and there is no going back.

Maybe you’ve felt the same way I’m feeling right now – like you could have done more, but now the chance is gone. It’s in moments like these, though, that I think about a quote I once heard, “The best time to plant an apple tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is today.” For all of us, it is easy to look back at that opportunity you missed or the chance you didn’t take and say you should have done more. The hard part is to look at what you can do today. To use the time you have right now is the most difficult thing to do.

We all should have planted our apple trees when we had the chance. Let’s do the one thing we can do and choose to plant our apple trees right now.

Nov 06 2025

Look to the Light

2025-2026, Annie Neely

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Annie Neely, 2025-26 VP

Some of my most vivid childhood memories came when my brothers and I would binge-watch Disney movies during our days off from school. I was a Disney fan and adored the Toy Story trilogy. My favorite character was Buzz Lightyear, and I loved the iconic line, “To infinity and beyond!” that he would say in key moments, reflecting his belief in being a real space ranger. But during the first movie, when he fell off the bed of Andy, his owner, Buzz realized that he was not a space ranger but actually a toy. This realization hit him hard, and he suddenly thought that he had lost his purpose. In his disappointment, however, he was able to see his situation in a new light and started to build a new relationship with Woody and Andy’s other toys.

In FFA and in our own lives, we probably don’t convince ourselves that we are space rangers, but we do expect that our lives will unfold in a certain way. Sometimes they do, like when we win an FFA contest or get the officer position that we really wanted. But, as Buzz learned, there are also times when we might fail or face something that we don’t want to hear. Buzz didn’t want to accept that he wasn’t a toy. We might not want to realize something hard either.

Missouri FFA members, through our highs and lows, we always need to remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I like to think that Buzz’s ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ moment was when he became friends with Woody. Woody helped Buzz joke about his experience, while helping him grow. Always look for the light.

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

The Roots of Resilience

By: Teresa Briscoe, Missouri FFA Association Executive Secretary

Taking a Step into my Jacket

No Matter What

The Storm is Essential