Blog – Page 2 – Missouri FFA and Agriculture Education

Nov 25 2025

2026 Greenhand Motivational Conferences

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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

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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

106

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.

Oct 13 2025

2025 National Convention Tidbits

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Missouri is well represented at the upcoming 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana

AGRISCIENCE FAIR – 9 FINALISTS

Jaden Decker & Jensen Decker Centralia Div. 4, Animal Systems
Athena Wilson & Jaxon Marsh Pleasant Hope Div. 4, Environ. Services & Nat. Resource Systems
Alexis Peterman & Allie Yescas Pleasant Hope Div. 4, Food Products & Processing Systems
Arwen Mehl & Kylee Agee Pleasant Hope Div. 6, Food Products & Processing Systems
Kyra Keeling & Orrionna Mehl Pleasant Hope Div. 4, Plant Systems
Lexi Perryman Pleasant Hope Div. 5 Power, Structural & Technical Systems
Brody Swindler Carrollton ACC Div. 3, Social Science
Ethan Pearce & Samuel Alvarez Milan Div. 4, Social Science
Isabel Morris & Lucy Conger Rolla Div. 6, Social Science

PROFICIENCY AWARDS – 13 FINALISTS

Lynn Dyer Higginsville Agricultural Education
Casey Vannoy North Shelby Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance-Ent.
Mitchell Herigon Boonville Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance-Pl.
Chase Hall Clopton Agricultural Services- Entrepreneurship/Placement
Madeliene Pollard Lathrop Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship
Destiny Deleon Milan Diversified Horticulture-Entrepreneurship/Placement
Alexa Groeber Montgomery City Envir. Science & Nat. Res. Mgmt. – Entrepreneurship/Pl.
Troy Zeilstra Brunswick Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
James Baker Memphis Goat Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Cordray Baker Brookfield Landscape Installation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Abigayle Lett Odessa Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Grant Oaks Newtown-Harris Swine Production – Entrepreneurship
Carter Bell Rich Hill Wildlife Prod. & Mgmt. – Entrepreneurship/Placement

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS

30 Three Star Chapters — Highest award for chapter
8 Two Star Chapters – Second highest award for chapters
Premier Chapter Awards

Paris Premier Chapter-Strengthening Agriculture

Centralia Premier Chapter-Strengthening Agriculture

Centralia Premier Chapter-Building Communities

CDE/LDE PARTICIPANTS

Ag Communications-Versailles
Ag Issues Forum-Troy
Ag Sales – Tipton
Ag Mechanics – North Shelby
Agronomy – Elsberry
Conduct of Meetings – Republic
Creed – Madelyn Sampson, Kirksville
Dairy Cattle – Neosho
Employment Skills – Christian Siegel, Columbia
Environment & Natural Resources—Mt. Vernon
Extemporaneous Speaking – Kristin Waters, Norborne
Farm Business Mgt – Palmyra
Floriculture – Palmyra
Food Science – Neosho
Forestry – Forsyth
Horse – Logan-Rogersville
Livestock – Braymer
Meats – Savannah
Milk Quality – Neosho
Nursery/Landscape – Pleasant Hill
Parliamentary – Troy
Poultry – Green Ridge
Public Speaking – Makala Methvin, Bolivar
Vet Science – Eldon

2025 MISSOURI TIDBITS

757 American Degree Recipients – #1 in number recipients
12 National Delegates
National Officer Candidate – Braden Havlik, Silex
2 members performing in National Talent
- Emma Pitford-Clark County
- Kimberly Keith-Chillicothe
10 National Chorus Members
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.
13 National Band Members
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.
10 Teachers receiving Honorary American Degree –
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.
8 Individuals receiving Honorary American Degree –
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.
1 Individual receiving a National VIP Award –
Keith Dietzschold, National FFA Board Member, Missouri Ag Ed Director, Jefferson City

Oct 13 2025

Stressed or Blessed

2025-2026, Lindsey McDonald

105

Lindsay McDonald, 2025-26 VP

Ever since I joined FFA, there is one word I can use to describe my life: busy. It seemed as though there was always some new event or contest I could do, and I was not about to pass up an opportunity to do something with FFA. I will never regret any of the opportunities I’ve taken advantage of in FFA, but I will say it left me feeling overwhelmed at times, like I was struggling to keep my head above water.

I would often miss class for trips and though I did a good job of keeping up with my schoolwork and communicating with my teachers, sometimes deadlines are still deadlines. Since beginning college, I’ve had the opportunity to get involved in so many new things, and with that comes finding a healthy balance. Oftentimes I have to prioritize things, which sometimes means missing out on one thing because another was higher on my list.

Needless to say, there’s always a lot going on in my life, and I know I’m not the only one. Sometimes, it leaves me feeling stressed. But when I start to feel stressed, I think at what an amazing privilege it is to be stressed. I have opportunities set right in front of me not everyone else in the world has. And for that, I feel grateful. I’m blessed to stay busy, I’m blessed to build communities that care about me, and I’m blessed to have the good health to do it all. Sometimes we get so caught up in the blur of everyday life that we spend too much time stressing and forget to make time to focus on our blessings.

Oct 13 2025

Persist

2025-2026, Noah Groose

106

Noah Grosse, 2025-26 VP

On our first day back from winter break, Mrs. Toler, the fifth-grade teacher, announced each student was to find a “2025 Word”. This word should be one students could focus on to better themselves throughout 2025. I volunteered as an A+ student in the 5th grade classroom every day of my senior year and helped the students or did tasks for Mrs. Toler. As I assisted the fifth graders in finding words they felt would be best for them, I decided to do the same.

The word I chose was persist.

At the time, I hoped this word would help keep me focused while making some of the hard decisions every senior faces: what college I would attend, what I would major in, how I would find the time to fill scholarship applications and how I would remain involved in my FFA chapter. I added my 2025 word to my notes app where I would stumble across it periodically and be reminded to continue with my persistence.

Halfway through 2025, I found myself preparing a keynote speech for Week 2 of FFA Camp. I realized my persistence had helped solidify those difficult decisions I was facing back in January, while helping me become a better version of myself in order to serve Missouri FFA.

As we move closer to the end of 2025, I am still trying to keep my word in mind. I hope to stay persistent in my classwork, studying and keeping up with my friends. I encourage you to create a 2026 word to place in a spot where you will have a subtle reminder of what you want to focus on throughout the year ahead.

Oct 13 2025

The City Behind You

2025-2026, Kolton Stolba

106

Kolton Stolba, 2025-26 VP

As a sports fan, I love to think of one of my favorite moments in sports history. June 11, 1997 – Game 5 of the NBA Finals where the Chicago Bulls were facing the Utah Jazz. That morning, Michael Jordan wakes up barely able to stand, sick with nausea and exhaustion. Despite his pain, Jordan knows how much his team needs him, so he decides to play. He steps onto the court with the flu and proceeds to drop 38 points, hitting a clutch 3-pointer in the last 30 seconds to seal the win. The Bulls take a 3–2 series lead and go on to win the championship. This game went on to be known as “The Flu Game.”

Ray Allen described it by saying, “That’s the greatest performance ever because he had no business even being out there.” I now realize Jordan wasn’t playing for himself. He was playing for Chicago. He understood the name “Jordan” on the back of his jersey was smaller than the Bulls logo on the front.

In one of my favorite songs, Macklemore’s “Can’t Hold Us”, he says, “My city’s right behind me, if I fall, they got me.” That’s exactly what Jordan embodied, and it’s what we all should embody, too. Our case looks a little different, though. On our FFA jackets, our names are on the front, but what’s on the back is so much bigger. When we wear that jacket, we represent our chapter, our state and ultimately the entirety of FFA.

Jordan’s flu game is remembered not just for the stats, but for what it meant. The same is true for us. Whether it’s FFA, school, sports or life, we should always remember that the name on the back is bigger than the name on the front.

Sep 17 2025

Loosen the Grip

2025-2026, Harlee Beck

105

Harlee Beck, 2025-26 VP

We can’t always control everything in our lives. I’ll be honest—that’s hard for me. Like most people, I like to plan out my schedule, my goals and even the outcomes of my efforts. But the truth is, holding on too tightly doesn’t always lead to the best results.

So often, we spend our time stressing over problems and worrying about tomorrow. In doing that, we can forget to enjoy the little moments that make today special. The funny conversations with friends, a sunset after a long day or even just laughing at ourselves when things don’t go as planned. Those moments can pass us by if we’re too focused on what might happen next.

Starting college has been one of the biggest reminders of this for me. With new schedules, classes and responsibilities, I’ve realized just how many things are outside of my control. At first, I found myself trying to juggle it all perfectly—newsflash, it didn’t work. What I did learn, though, is that stressing over what I can’t change doesn’t solve the problem. In fact, it just steals the joy right out of the present moment.

Instead, I’ve been working on focusing on what I can control: my attitude, my effort and how I choose to spend each day. When I do that, I find more peace in the present and more appreciation for the journey I’m on.

If you’re anything like me, you probably want things to always go according to plan. But maybe the best growth comes when we let go a little, trust the process and learn to enjoy the ride. Life has a way of working itself out, sometimes even better than we could have planned.

So here’s my challenge for you (and for myself, too): take a deep breath, loosen your grip on the things you can’t control and look for the little joys today has to offer. You might just find that the unplanned moments become your favorite memories.

Sep 17 2025

Ka-Chow

2025-2026, Seth Engeman

108

Seth Engeman, 2025-26 1st VP

The cinematic masterpiece produced by Pixar that we all know as “Cars” has been engraved in my mind since I was a young boy. The soundtrack alone can send me down a rabbit hole of reasons why the movie is the greatest of all time. I may be a little biased, but I think we can all learn something from it.

Lightning McQueen is on a journey to become the greatest racer of all time, refusing to lose—even if it means winning by the tip of his tongue. Going through high school, I often felt the same way. Whether it meant getting good grades or placing first in a competition, I always wanted to be on top. But as I’ve gone through high school and life has picked up speed, I’ve learned life isn’t always about finishing first. The people we meet along the way can make the biggest difference.

Just as Radiator Springs taught Lightning McQueen to slow down, FFA has done the same for me. Sometimes, at an event, the best thing you can do is take the time to say hello to familiar faces—or even meet someone new. Your next lifelong friend, just like McQueen’s best friend Tow Mater, could be waiting for you.

Missouri FFA, I encourage you to slow down and remember that being on top isn’t what life is all about. Take some time to enjoy the things that go by too fast, even when you feel ready to speed ahead. Catch up with old friends and make new ones. Remember the tangible things in life will never mean as much as the relationships we build with others. Just like the Hudson Hornet said, trophies are just “a bunch of empty cups.” Slow down and embrace your journey.

Sep 16 2025

Survivin’ and Thrivin’

2025-2026, Maddy Rash

105

Maddy Rash, 2025-26 VP

When I sat down to write this blog, I wasn’t sure how to start. Honestly, beginnings trip me up sometimes, but once I get going, I’m fine. Maybe you’ve felt the same way before.

Back in high school, I remember looking at state officers like they were celebrities. They seemed perfect: calm, confident and put together. I thought their lives were stress-free and ideal. But when it came time for me to step into these shoes, I quickly realized how wrong I was.

Life has come at me fast. Interviews, Convention, graduation, training, camps and now, college. Each brought challenges I never could have predicted. And let me tell you, college hit me harder than I expected. Suddenly, I was navigating situations I never imagined, and it hasn’t been easy.

But here’s what I’ve learned: being a state officer doesn’t make me any different from you. I’m not above the struggles of everyday life. I get stressed, overwhelmed and lost at times, too. The title doesn’t erase the bumps in the road – it just means I get to walk through them alongside you.

At the end of the day, state officers are students, friends and people trying to figure things out just like you are. We’re not perfect. We face the same challenges, take the same unexpected detours and keep moving forward the same way you do.

Together, we’re all survivin’ and thrivin’.

Sep 15 2025

Don’t Let Comparison be the Thief of Your Joy

2025-2026, Abigayle Lett

103

Abigayle Lett, 2025-26 VP

I still remember the excitement I felt when I was in sixth grade and my oldest cousin joined FFA. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. From the jackets to the early morning FFA events and the excitement of barnwarming, I couldn’t wait. But when my time finally came, the excitement fell quickly. Instead of feeling proud, I felt behind.

I didn’t have an impressive Supervised Agricultural Experience. I barely knew anything about agriculture, let alone leadership. I started doubting myself. Every shortcoming felt huge and, slowly, comparison began stealing the joy I once felt in ag class. A place I had loved became a place where I was constantly asking for help just to understand.

As I stepped into the next year, something shifted. I found areas where I thrived and some of my classmates struggled. Slowly, I started to see that everyone struggles somewhere. Maybe you are great in the greenhouse but lost in animal science. Maybe you’ve never touched a welding torch but you light up during a speech. I started to understand that success in FFA doesn’t just follow one path. Just as I was beginning to look at things differently, one of my best friends shared a quote with me. “Don’t let comparison be the thief of your joy.” It hit me hard. I had been so focused on what I wasn’t that I forgot to appreciate who I was and how far I had come.

Whether you’re just starting your FFA journey or finishing your final year, I hope you always remember this:

Stop comparing. Start growing.
Your journey is yours alone.
You are good enough!

Keep showing up. Keep trying your best and above all, don’t let comparison steal the joy YOU have earned.

AREA

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM
MSU, Darr Ag Center, Springfield

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM
Bradford Research Farm, Columbia

Former national FFA officer and speech trainer, Andrew McCrae will lead this event to help FFA members of all levels improve their speaking skills and prepare for the LDE season. State officers will also provide insights on specific speaking LDEs.

Registration Deadline: December 20

Cost Per Student: $50 (Includes lunch & materials)

Slow Down and Take It In

Honorary American FFA Degree:

Chapter Recognition:

AgriScience Fair:

National FFA Endorsed Activities:

Proficiency Awards:

Talent, Chorus and Band:

Career and Leadership Development Events Summary

The Best Time to Plant an Apple Tree

Look to the Light

Missouri is well represented at the upcoming 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana

AGRISCIENCE FAIR – 9 FINALISTS

PROFICIENCY AWARDS – 13 FINALISTS

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS

CDE/LDE PARTICIPANTS

2025 MISSOURI TIDBITS

Congratulations to the 2025-26 FFA in the USA Reporters. Throughout the school year, our reporters will cover all things FFA in their chapters and communities. You can read their stories and more on our FFA in the USA webpage.

Stressed or Blessed

Persist

The City Behind You

Loosen the Grip

Ka-Chow

Survivin’ and Thrivin’

Don’t Let Comparison be the Thief of Your Joy

Pulling the Weeds

The Power of Gratitude

Your Team Will Rally Around You

Dancing Through Life

Missouri FFA Association

Join Our Email List

MO Team Ag Ed Partner Organizations

AREA

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM MSU, Darr Ag Center, Springfield

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM Bradford Research Farm, Columbia

Former national FFA officer and speech trainer, Andrew McCrae will lead this event to help FFA members of all levels improve their speaking skills and prepare for the LDE season. State officers will also provide insights on specific speaking LDEs.

Registration Deadline: December 20

Cost Per Student: $50 (Includes lunch & materials)

Honorary American FFA Degree:

Chapter Recognition:

AgriScience Fair:

National FFA Endorsed Activities:

Proficiency Awards:

Talent, Chorus and Band:

Career and Leadership Development Events Summary

Missouri is well represented at the upcoming 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana

AGRISCIENCE FAIR – 9 FINALISTS

PROFICIENCY AWARDS – 13 FINALISTS

NATIONAL CHAPTER AWARDS

CDE/LDE PARTICIPANTS

2025 MISSOURI TIDBITS

Congratulations to the 2025-26 FFA in the USA Reporters. Throughout the school year, our reporters will cover all things FFA in their chapters and communities. You can read their stories and more on our FFA in the USA webpage.

Missouri FFA Association

Join Our Email List

MO Team Ag Ed Partner Organizations

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM
MSU, Darr Ag Center, Springfield

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 • 9AM-3:30PM
Bradford Research Farm, Columbia