Missouri Youth Institute

Do you want to help change the world? The Missouri Youth Institute is a life-changing experience at the University of Missouri where high school students engage with local leaders and experts on critical global challenges, participate in hands-on activities, and explore exciting ways to make a difference in Missouri and around the world.

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MO FFA Teams Up with Missouri Cattlemen

Eat beef! You can help support the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri FFA by purchasing a raffle ticket for a quarter of beef from the 2017 Missouri State Fair Grand Champion Steer.

Tickets will be sold until January 6. Individual tickets are $5 or five tickets for $20. You may purchase tickets online at mocattle.com or from participating local FFA chapters. Winners will be selected at the MCA Convention on January 6.

Two winners will receive a quarter of beef and the top two selling chapters will win the other quarters. Money collected will go towards a cash prize to the top exhibiting FFA chapter at the 2018 MCA All Breeds Junior Show, June 8-10.

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Greenhand Motivational Conferences Kick Off in January

First year FFA members are invited to participate in Greenhand Motivational Conferences to be held across the state in January. Conferences will be held Jan. 9-12 for each chapter’s respective area and provide new FFA members with learning and leadership opportunitites.

  • Jan 8 – 8:30 a.m., Area 8
    Lincoln University, Jefferson City
  • Jan 9 – 8:30 a.m., Area 1
    Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph
  • Jan 9 – 9:00 a.m., Area 6
    State Fair Community College, Sedalia
  • Jan 9 – 2 p.m., Area 13
    Waynesville
  • Jan 10 – 8:30 a.m., Area 13
    North Central Missouri College, Trenton
  • Jan 10 – 8:30 a.m., Area 13
    Missouri State University, West Plains
  • Jan 10 – 11:30 a.m., Area 2
    North Central Missouri College, Trenton
  • Jan 10 – 9:00 a.m., Area 9
    Missouri State University, Springfield
  • Jan 10 – 12 p.m., Area 9
    Missouri State University, Springfield
  • Jan 10 – 2:30 p.m., Area 16
    Three Rivers CC, Poplar Bluff
  • Jan 11 – 8:30 a.m., Area 15
    Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau
  • Jan 11 – 9 a.m., Area 11
    Missouri State University, Springfield
  • Jan 11 – 9:30.m., Area 3
    Truman State University, Kirksville
  • Jan 11 – 12 p.m., Area 12
    Missouri State University, Springfield
  • Jan 11 – 4 p.m., Area 5
    Bowling Green
  • Jan 11 – 4 p.m., Area 14
    Sullivan
  • Jan 12 – 9 a.m., Area 4
    University of Missouri, Columbia
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2017 Missouri 3-Star Chapters

Missouri is home to 23 chapters that received the highest
chapter rating awarded, which is 3 Star.

  • Ashland
  • Aurora
  • Boonville
  • Brookfield
  • Bucklin
  • Centralia
  • Chillicothe
  • Higbee
  • Marshall
  • Monroe City
  • New Franklin
  • Paris
  • Salisbury
  • Sarcoxie
  • Seneca
  • Seymour
  • Sherwood
  • Sweet Springs
  • Tipton
  • Trenton
  • Troy
  • Union
  • West Plains
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Paris FFA Named 2017 National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders Winner

The Paris FFA Chapter from Missouri has been named the 2017 National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
During “Beef Up Reading,” Paris FFA encouraged elementary students to get excited about reading. They challenged elementary students to read and log more than 95,000 minutes of reading in a month. FFA members visited classrooms to motivate the students and share about the importance of reading. The chapter even got parents involved by hosting a free barbecue brisket dinner for all students, parents and teachers during the Title I Reading Night. FFA members enjoyed setting goals and helping the elementary students to reach them to reinforce the importance of reading.
Chapters eligible to compete for the National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders award demonstrate competency in doing innovative things or taking traditional concepts and applying a creative twist in the growing leaders division of the chapter’s Program of Activities. Ten three-star chapters competed in a presentation and interview process for the top honor during this year’s national convention. Paris FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The National Chapter Award program is sponsored by John Deere.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.
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10 Missouri FFA Members Named National Proficiency Finalists

Participants in the National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards program receive a rating of National Finalist, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Participant or Disqualified. Four “National Finalists” are selected for each of the award areas and go on to compete for a national proficiency award.

Missouri's National Finalists
  • Ag Communications – Mariah Fox – Trenton
  • Ag Sales – Placement – William Davis – Mexico
  • Beef Production Entrepreneurship –Cole Diggins – Bronaugh
  • Dairy Production Entrepreneurship –Ashton Atteberry – Conway
  • Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship – Luke Henneke – Linn
  • Diversified Crop Production – Placement – Derek Stimpson – Trenton
  • Diversified Horticulture – Morgan LaBoube – Hermann
  • Grain Production – Entrepreneurship – Matthew Gastler – Audrain Co. R-VI
  • Outdoor Recreation – Jacob Blank – Richland
  • Specialty Animal Production — Derek Anderson – Paris
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2017 National FFA Convention Highlights

National FFA Band
  • 15 of approximately 100 members selected nationally:
  • Allison Binder, Salisbury
  • Trace Chambers, Fayette
  • Cathryn Denny, Carl Junction
  • Walker Easley, Orrick
  • Noah Findling, Kirksville
  • Fayne Hamilton, South Harrison
  • Emma Ricketts, Salisbury
  • Mardee Sadowsky, North Harrison
  • Natalie Schaeffer, Cameron
  • Avery Shultz, Memphis
  • Olivia Sloan, Salisbury
  • Jessica Spencer, Pierce City
  • Luke Vaughn, Marceline
  • Jacob Wilson, Gallatin
  • Koltan York, Crocker
National FFA Chorus
  • 5 of approximately 75 members selected nationally:
  • Felicity Bruegel, Seneca
  • Emalee Flatness, Willard
  • Trenton Gabriel, Worth County
  • Colin Joesting, Tarkio
  • Chloe Moss, Crocker
National FFA Talent Performers
  • 3 selected nationally:
  • Amber Chapman, Paris
  • Maggie Frakes, Portageville
  • Bailey Wilkinson, Vienna
Honorary American FFA Degree
  • 13 recipients
  • Don Koonce, Holts Summit
  • Robin Horstmeier, O’Fallon
  • Ted Probert, Mansfield
  • Halbert Smith, Gainesville
  • Stan Adler, Warsaw
  • Zach Crews, Slater
  • Brandon Duff, Carthage
  • Randy Lightfoot, Fair Play
  • Susan Marsh, Atlanta
  • Joe Moore, Exeter
  • Chuck Reece, Butler
  • Stephen Schniedermeyer, Nodaway-Holt
  • A.J. Wingard, Pleasant Hill
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2017 National Agriscience Fair – Missouri Results

14 out of 20 agriscience fair projects placed in the top twelve in the nation.

8 of 14 received a gold rating and placed in the top 5 in the nation

  • Lela Bryant & Makayla Bryant – Troy – 5th in Animal Systems Division 4
  • Daryin Sharp & Jacob Shelenhamer – Bolivar – 3rd in Animal Systems Division 6
  • Jenna Hahn & Collin Nichols – Troy – 4th in Environmental Services Division 6
  • Joy Sparks & Tommi Magnall – Farmington – 4th in Environmental Services Division 6
  • Tyler Bean & Grace Miller – Walnut Grove – 5th in Food Products Division 6
  • Jacob Maclean & Abbigail French – Troy – 3rd in Plant Systems Division 4
  • Andrew Littlefield – Cassville – 5th in Social Systems Division 3
  • Alexandria Lock & Andrea Lock – 3rd in Social Systems Division 6
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Missouri CDE Achievements

In Career Development Events, 12 of 20 teams representing Missouri received a GOLD rating. Thirteen members placed in the Top 10 Individuals in their respective CDE. Also, 47 of 74 individuals received GOLD rankings, placing them in approximately the top 10 percent of the CDE.

Career Development Events Summary

12 of 20 teams/individuals received Gold rating

13 members placed in the Top 10 Individuals in their respective CDE

  • Agricultural Sales — Paris – 2nd Place
    • Regan Ragsdale – 3rd High
    • LIzzy Vitt – 4th High Individuals
  • Agricultural Mechanics – North Shelby – 3rd Place
  • Agronomy – North Shelby – 4th Place
  • Diary Cattle Evaluation – Monett – 3rd Place
    • Lora Wright – 4th High Individual
  • Dairy Foods – Fair Play – 1st Place
    • Sumona Khodyrke – 6th High
    • Lexie Simpson – 7th High
    • Kenzie Clark – 8th High Individuals
  • Farm Management – Fatima – 2nd Place
    • Leon Koenigsfeld – 1st High
    • Ben Luebbering – 4th High Individuals
  • Floriculture – Marshfield – 2nd Place
    • Nikki Briddle – 7th High Individual
  • Horse Evaluation – Columbia – 6th Place
  • Meat Evaluation – Trenton – 5th Place
  • Nursery/Landscape – Hamilton – 1st Place
    • Andrew Ernat – 1st High
    • Clayton Cook – 9th High Individuals
  • Parliamentary Procedure – Eldon – 2nd Place
  • Poultry – Columbia – 6th Place
    • Emily Wawrzyniak – 9th High Individual

 

47 of 74 individuals received Gold rankings (approximately top 10 percent of the CDE)

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Marshall FFA Named 2017 National Model of Excellence Winner

The Marshall FFA Chapter from Missouri has been named the 2017 National FFA Model of Excellence winner at the 90th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
The National Chapter Award program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasizes growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership.
To encourage students interested in agricultural construction careers, Marshall FFA organized “Welding Our Future Together.” This included a welding workshop, a tour of Missouri Welding Institute and tutoring for the scholarship competition. During the workshop, FFA members received guided practice on industry welds from a trade school instructor. In addition to this activity, the chapter also conducts activities such as a kindness campaign, “I Believe” packages and coloring for agriculture.
High school chapters that received high three-star ratings during judging in the summer are eligible to compete for the Model of Excellence award, the highest honor awarded to a high school FFA chapter by the National FFA Organization. Ten FFA chapters competed in a presentation and interview process for the top honor during this year’s national convention. Marshall FFA received a plaque in an onstage ceremony during the convention’s second general session on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The National Chapter Award program is sponsored by John Deere.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.
Download Full Press Release
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Deer Season

Ben Luebbering, casual

Ben Luebbering – VP

Deer season has arrived in Missouri! This time of year ranks among my favorites as the leaves turn to bright colors, and the hunter orange fills the woods of my hometown. With deer hunting season comes my hope of seeing the “30-pointer.” In fact, I have not shot a buck in seven years as I continue to hold out for that buck of a lifetime. Sitting in the deer stand for hours on end becomes tiring and very tempting to shoot one of the younger deer that passes through. In the end it is all worth it for me when the opportunity to harvest a mature whitetail arises. The quest for these elusive big bucks has taught me several valuable lessons. To be successful in the deer woods I must be patient, persistent and passionate. Patience is key to control the urge to leave the stand or shoot a smaller deer. I must be persistent by spending countless hours waiting for the perfect opportunity. Finally, passion is key because without a love for what you do it is easy to lose sight of the goal.
FFA members, I challenge you all to take these lessons from the deer woods and apply them to your goals within the FFA. Always be patient, persistent and passionate, and success will be right around the corner!

 

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Be a Role Model

Aaron Mott, casual

Aaron Mott – VP

This time of year we all begin to ask ourselves some important questions. While you might wonder what classes you will take next year and how you can improve your math grade, other questions are also important.

 

Consider this one: “Who is my role model?” Think about who you consider to be your role model. Why do you see he or she that way? What traits do they possess, and can you possess traits like that? When I think about my role model, the traits that immediately come to mind are hardworking, trustworthy and future-minded. I admire these traits and will continue to work to develop them in myself.

 

Finding a role model and identifying traits you admire in someone is only the beginning. The real challenge is finding oneself. What are you good at? How can you improve your skills to positively impact your family, friends and community? While it is easy to focus on trying to be like others, each one of us is unique and can make a difference like no one else. We might possess some of the same traits as our role models, or we might have different strengths. I challenge you to ask yourself how you can make a bigger difference in the world around you.

 

Oh, and while you think about these questions, good luck in that math class!

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The Auction Cry

Chance Wallace, casual

Chance Wallace – VP

I remember as plain as day the first time I heard that rhythmic auction chant. The way that the auctioneer blended a smooth song-like chant with the never-ending whirl of numbers was incredible to me. Standing in awe I thought to myself, “It’s do or die; I’ve got to learn that auction cry!”

I began developing my own auction chant three years ago when I was given a tape of world champion livestock auctioneers. As I listened intently to these professionals sing their auction chant, I began to feel more disheartened. How was I ever going to be able to talk that fast? It seemed to be an impossible dream, but I took a chance and pushed on. As I researched, I found that the best way to learn to chant was to go slow and try different methods to see what fit best. Because I thought I knew everything, it was hard for me to accept that I should change my chant. As time went on, I noticed that my chant was not only speeding up and sounding better, but that I was also using new and different words and expanding my abilities. I am now a licensed auctioneer and have been complemented time and time again for my chanting ability.

Looking back, I noticed a similarity between auctioneering and my FFA career. Both required me to branch out and expand myself before I could find success. During your time in FFA you will encounter opportunities to try new activities, meet new people and get out of your comfort zone. I encourage you to seize those experiences and enjoy the ride. At times it will be difficult and you will feel that bit of fear in the pit of your stomach, but that fear is only holding you back. Whether it be giving a speech for the first time or running for chapter office, you must release that fear and lunge head first into the unknown.

I took the chance and worked hard to change my chant. I took the chance to compete in creed speaking my freshmen year. I took the chance to run for a state office. You, too, can take a chance. Seize the opportunities!

 

 

 

 

 

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Driving Lessons

Elizabeth Knipp, casual

Elizabeth Knipp, VP

When I was learning to drive, one of my favorite things to do was take my family’s farm truck out in the pasture to practice. One evening, as I was headed back to my house, I took a short cut through an area in the pasture where we fed our cows hay during the winter months. I began driving on top of what I assumed to be solid ground. Halfway through the shortcut, the truck started to sink into the ground. Not wanting to stop, I pushed my foot down on the gas pedal to go faster only to be stuck in the mud with my tires spinning. As I looked out the driver’s window, I noticed what I had presumed to be solid ground was in fact loose hay spread on the surface, covering the muddy ground below. My shortcut had caused a much larger problem. Every day, we encounter shortcuts that seem the easiest route for us to take. Though tempting, these shortcut actions inhibit us from being the best versions of ourselves and lead us to overlooking important details. I encourage each of us to full-heartily complete tasks, from committing to a contest team to giving a speech in class, with the best of our abilities we can gain the most from these experiences.

 

 

 

 

 

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