Blog – Page 5 – Missouri FFA and Agriculture Education

Dec 05 2024

2025 Greenhand Motivational Conferences

Trending Now

AREA

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

January 7

TBD

8:30 am

January 8

NCMC, Trenton

8:30 am & 12 pm

January 9

TSU, Kirksville

9:30 am

January 10

MU, Kirksville

9:00 am

January 9

Bowling Green

4:00 pm

January 7

Mohler Assembly Hall, MSF, Sedalia

12:00 pm

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

January 7

Waynesville

1:30 pm

January 8

MSU – West Plains

8:30 am

January 7

Sullivan HS

8:30 am

January 9

La Croix Methodist Church, Cape Girardeau

9:00 am

January 8

TRCC, Poplar Bluff

2:30 pm

Dec 03 2024

Love Your People

2024-2025, Andi Belt

Andi Belt, President

I can say without a moment’s doubt that I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without the support of “my people” along the way. Growing up with four little brothers and countless little cousins, I was never short of cheerleaders at any of my events. Whether it was a basketball game, FFA banquet, softball tournament or sheep show, I could always count on my family being there to celebrate my successes and soften the blow of tough losses. When I got to high school, my village only grew. My teammates, chapter officer team and countless new FFA friends soon became part of my family. Some of the biggest ways they “showed up” for me was through the smallest gestures. When I headed to state officer interviews, my parents, little brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles prepared a basket filled with my favorite things – handwritten notes of encouragement, bible verses and, of course, V8 energy drinks. When I graduated high school, my FFA friends from all over the state drove to the middle-of-nowhere Shelby County to celebrate with hugs and laughter. On my 18th birthday, my 15 new best friends threw the sweetest “mini party” at state officer training. All of these moments truly remind me of how lucky I am. The way they continue to show up for me, be there to celebrate every small success and never stop reminding me how loved I am – that is truly what has made me who I am today. All of us have “our people”. Those who’ve been there for us when we need it most. While it’s easy to think about the difference they’ve made, often we forget to show them how grateful we are. My challenge for all of us as we head into this next season of life is to show our love and appreciation for those who have loved, celebrated and supported us along the way!

Nov 27 2024

Progress over Perfection

2024-2025, Carmen Wilburn

Carmen Wilburn

Throughout my high school years, I was someone who fixated on what went wrong instead of what went right. Whether it was a test, game, or a contest, I spent hours replaying my mistakes in my head, focusing on what I could’ve done better. I rarely celebrated the effort I put in or the progress I made. Instead, I was consumed by the idea that anything less than perfect was failure.

Perfectionism makes you believe that success is only defined by flawlessness, and when I didn’t meet those impossibly high standards, I felt like I’d failed. It created an environment where my self-worth was tied to external achievements, and any misstep felt like a personal defeat. The result? Constant self-criticism and an inability to recognize or appreciate my accomplishments.

But somewhere along the way, I realized that this cycle wasn’t serving me. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, I began to see them as opportunities for growth. I learned to give myself credit for the effort and progress, not just the end result. One key moment in this shift came from my basketball coach telling me, “we’ve just gotta work with what we’ve got”. That simple yet profound statement helped me reframe my mindset. Instead of striving for perfection in every play, I started to focus on what I could do with the tools and skills I had at the moment. It was about progress, not perfection.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with a student about a speech competition they had participated in. When I asked how it had gone, they told me they had lost. In that moment, I realized that I wasn’t the only one who struggled to see the positive side of things. FFA members, even when you don’t get the outcome you worked hard for, it’s important to celebrate the small victories. Whether it’s improving your skills, learning from the experience, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, every effort is a win. Progress isn’t always about the final result, it’s about how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned along the way.

Nov 17 2024

Take The First Step

2024-2025, Gentrie Davis

Gentrie Davis, VP

“Time to get up, Gentrie!” These five words send a ring to my ears every morning. If you are like me, you know the value of sleep, especially when it comes to five more minutes…

With fall rolling in and the temperatures dropping, the battle between cozy blankets and the cold, hard floor begins. If there’s one thing I dread, it’s getting out of bed and stepping onto that chilly surface. Simply hitting the floor is the first step into my day. On the other side, the cool floor sure sends a chilling sensation that wakes me up!

Over the course of my time in FFA, I have been relatively active with my Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). But has it always been easy? Absolutely not. Have I always felt motivated to take action? No way. However, the mentors and opportunities I’ve encountered along the way have made the struggle worth it. As a freshman, my parents helped me develop a plan for my baking and milling business.This wasn’t just a casual hobby; it was a detailed business plan. We outlined the products I would sell, the equipment I would need, and estimated my input and output costs. I was stressed just thinking about creating a plan, but the real anxiety came when I had to put the plan into action. Simply taking that first step.

So often we get in a rut of not knowing where to start or feeling overwhelmed. I still remember my dad telling me about the tasks I needed to be doing to get my SAE functioning. He told me “action accomplishes goals.” His words stuck with me. My dad nudged me into action, and once I took that first step, things started falling into place. I applied for a National FFA grant, which helped fund the equipment and ingredients I needed for my business. Over time, I expanded my product line and grew the business from the ground up. What felt like risk turned into a reward.

So often, taking that first step can feel like a brick wall. We can all plan, take preventative measures and budget, but we have to put this planning into practice. Often when creating goals, we get stuck in the rut of not knowing where to go. I have been there, and the best thing you can do is find someone to hold you accountable. That is your first step. Find someone to push your limits, help you find those opportunities, support your endeavors and seek the inevitable. Just like stepping out of bed onto that cold floor, taking the first step toward your goals can feel uncomfortable. But once you do it, you’re awake, you’re moving and you’re on your way to success. Ask yourself what your first step will be today. Afterall, taking action leads to accomplishment.

Oct 31 2024

Dietzschold Named Outstanding State Supervisor

Trending Now

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.

Oct 29 2024

Missouri 2024 National Convention Results

Trending Now

Record National Membership Announced – 1,027,273 from 9,235 chapters.
Attendance at the 97th National FFA Convention—71,954 members and guests.
Missouri has 27,044 members from 365 chapters.

The highest number of American FFA Degrees by state – 663 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. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence.

Honorary American FFA Degree:

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.

Chapter Recognition:

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.

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.

7 Missouri FFA agriscience fair projects (with 10 participants) placed in the top ten in the nation. Those individuals were:
- Animal Systems – Division 3 – Jaden Decker—Centralia FFA—9th place
- Animal Systems – Division 4 – Isabel Morris & Lucy Conger – Rolla FFA – 4th place
- Environ Services/NRS – Division 3 – Athena Wilson-Pleasant Hope FFA – 10th place
- Food Products – Division 3 – Brie Daily – Osceola FFA—6th place
- Food Products – Division 4 – Loraine Arciniegas & Maddyson Alexander – Pleasant Hope FFA—3rd place
- Power, Structural & Tech Sys.—Division 4—Gracie Pulley & Addison Rogers—Pleasant Hope FFA – 2nd place
- Social Systems – Division 3 – Ellie Samek-Bolivar FFA—3rd 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.

FFA Quiz Bowl Invitational Milan FFA won this competition for the second year in a row with team members: Jara Sanchez, Kendra Sayre, Daniel Cast Aneda, and Ethan Pearce.

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.

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

Agricultural Education—Hayley Gruenewald—Silex FFA
Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance – Placement – Jacob McElhaney – Atlanta FFA
Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship – Aiden Matthew Plenge – Clark Co. FFA
Equine Science – Entrepreneurship – Alexis Mullins – St. James FFA
Goat Production – Lauren Hammett—Ashland FFA
Grain Production – Tyler Fenner – Sweet Springs FFA

National Winners:

Diversified Horticulture Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement—Ava Bullard- Ashland FFA—NATIONAL WINNER
Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship –Cade Claycomb—Trenton FFA—NATIONAL WINNER

Talent, Chorus and Band:

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

Emma Pitford—Clark Co. FFA earned a spot in the top 15 talent acts.

Also performing on stages in venues around the National Convention:

Rob Wollgast—Elsberry FFA
Tony Jennings—Gilman City FFA
Kennedy Parrish—Green City FFA
Ivory Schoonover—Nixa FFA
Kason Fuller, John Malter, Judd Malter Cody Marshall & Morgan Skidmore—Smithville FFA
Chorus—Missouri had eleven participants including: Mary Davidson, Ash Grove; Karina Lopez, Aurora; Gabriela Pedron, Aurora; Logan Pinkham, Belton; Victor Sallas, California; Gracie Sappington, Dadeville; Lexi Brown, Fairfax; Liam Hansen, Mount Vernon; Leeanna Brown, Rich Hill; Quin Staten, Tarkio.
Band—Missouri had six participants in the National FFA Band including: Carissa Simagna, Aurora; Abigail Rice, Brunswick; Jeremiah Leonard, Cabool; Cody Schneider, California; Lela Hartschen, North Harrison; Preston Ethridge, Poplar Bluff.

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:

4th place individual-Aliza Yoder, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
5th place individual-Aden Johnston, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
6th place individual-Andi Belt, North Shelby-Agricultural Mechanics
4th place individual-Lindy Schwanke, North Shelby-Agronomy
5th place individual-Tj Belt, North Shelby-Agronomy
6th place individual-Trinity Dreckshage, North Shelby-Agronomy
7th place individual—Weston Christine, North Shelby-Agronomy
HIGH Individual—Emme Jones, North Shelby-Farm Management
2nd place individual-Jared Johnston, North Shelby-Farm Management
5th place individual-Samuel Schwanke, North Shelby-Farm Management
4th place individual-Sierra Hussey, Owensville-Floriculture
3rd place individual-Marissa Gottman, Palmyra-Food Science
7th place individual-Anasen Wayne, Gallatin-Forestry
HIGH Individual—Esmeralda Franklin, Nevada-Livestock Evaluation
HIGH Individual—Dallas Hardt, Fair Play-Milk Quality & Products
2nd place individual-Alexis Bee, Fair Play, Milk Quality & Products
5th place individual-Riley Bruce, Fair Play-Milk Quality & Products
6th place individual-Chloe Raley, Pierce City, Poultry Evaluation

CDE/LDE Participants or teams rankings are as follows:

Ag Communications-Richmond–Bronze
Ag Issues Forum-Silex-Winning Team
- (Team Members: Mckenna Claborn, James Cockrell, Hayley Gruenewald, Braden Havlik, and Claire Kinion)
Ag Sales – California—8th place team, Gold
Ag Mechanics –North Shelby— Winning Team
- (Team Members: Andi Belt, Aden Johnston, Austin Wilson, and Aliza Yoder)
Agronomy – North Shelby— Winning Team
- (Team Members: Tj Belt, Weston Christine, Trinity Dreckshage, and Lindy Schwanke)
Conduct of Meetings – Chillicothe–Gold
Creed – Jasmine Appledorn, Milan–Bronze
Dairy Cattle – Logan-Rogersville–Bronze
Dairy Handlers Activity-James Defreece, Marshfield-Gold
Employment Skills-Larissa Larrick, South Shelby-Bronze
Environmental and Natural Resources—Elsberry—Gold
Extemporaneous Speaking –Evelyn Ritter, Seneca—Bronze
Farm Business Management – North Shelby—Winning Team
- (Team Members: Samuel Schwanke, Emme Jones, Evie Jones, and Jared Johnston)
Floriculture – Owensville—7th, Gold
Food Science – Palmyra—8th, Gold
Forestry – Gallatin-4th, Gold
Horse – Ozark-4th, Gold
Livestock – Nevada–Silver
Meats – Slater—Silver
Milk Quality – Fair Play—Winning team
- (Team Members: Alexis Bee, Riley Bruce, William Frye, and Dallas Hardt)
Nursery/Landscape – Audrain R-VI—10th, Gold
Parliamentary Procedure – Troy—Gold
Poultry – Pierce City—4th Gold
Public Speaking –Kaden Pham, Pierce City–Silver
Veterinary Science – Columbia—Bronze

Oct 15 2024

Missouri 2024 National Convention Highlights

Trending Now

12 National Delegates
National Officer Candidate—Morgan Watkins, Fort Osage

2024-2025 FFA in the USA Reporters from Missouri:
- Cierra Britton-Cuba
- Tegan Herold-Palmyra
- Abigayle Lett-Odessa
- Blayde Lindsay-Brookfield
- Mikaela Rojas-Linn County
- Kolton Stolba-Willow Springs
- Maycee Thouvenel-Versailles

Next-Gen:Environmental Services & Natural Resources Conference:
- Landon Pottebaum—Montgomery County
- Caroline Stallman—Glasgow

Grants for Growing Winners:
- Mount Vernon FFA
- North Platte FFA
- Palmyra FFA
- Tipton FFA
- Savannah FFA
- Winfield FFA

Honorary American Degree Recipients:
- Dean Christopher Daubert, University of Missouri
- Brad Driskill, State Fair Community College
- Bradley Schad, Missouri Corn
- Eric Volmer, Missouri Farm Bureau
- Cyndi Young-Puyear, Brownfield & Learfield Ag.
Instructors Receiving Honorary American Degree:
- Kariann Brandt, Monroe City
- Matthew Pendergrass, Doniphan
- Amanda Reid, Concordia
- Ellen Romero, Russellville
- Martha Schreiman, Santa Fe
- Devin Garland, Wellington-Nepoleon
Proficiency Award Finalists-8 Finalists
- Agricultural Education — Hayley Gruenewald, Silex
- Agricultural Mechanics Repair & Maintenance – Placement—Jacob McElhaney, Atlanta
- Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship—Cade Claycomb
- Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship—Aiden Plenge, Clark County
- Diversified Horticulture—Ava Bullard, Ashland
- Equine Science – Entrepreneurship—Alexis Mullins, St. James
- Goat Production—Lauren Hammett, Ashland
- Grain Production—Tyler Fenner, Sweet Springs.

Agriscience Fair Finalists—7 Finalists
- Animal Systems, Div 3 — Jaden Decker, Centralia
- Animal Systems, Div 4 — Isabel Morris & Lucy Conger, Rolla
- Environmental Services & Natural Resource Systems, Div 3 — Athena Wilson, Pleasant Hope
- Food Products & Processing Systems, Div 3 — Brie Dailey, Osceola
- Food Products & Processing Systems, Div 4 — Loraine Arciniegas & Maddyson Alexander, Pleasant Hope
- Power, Structural and Technical Systems, Div 4 — Gracie Pulley & Addison Rogers, Pleasant Hope
- Social Science, Div 3 — Ellie Samek, Bolivar
National Chapter Awards:
- 29 Three Star Chapters – Highest award for chapter.
- 8 Two Star Chapters – Second highest award for chapters.
Premier Chapter Awards:
- Osceola – Strengthening Agriculture – Top 3 Finalist
- Centralia – Strengthening Agriculture – Top 10 Finalist

Band, Chorus and Talent:
- Accepted in the BAND:
  - Carissa Simagna-Aurora
  - Abigail Rice-Brunswick
  - Jeremiah Leonard-Cabool
  - Cody Schneider-California
  - Lela Hartschen-North Harrison
  - Preston Ethridge-Poplar Bluff
- Accepted in CHORUS:
  - Mary Davidson-Ash Grove
  - Karina Lopez-Aurora
  - Gabriela Pedron-Aurora
  - Logan Pinkham-Belton
  - Victor Salas-California
  - Gracie Sappington-Dadeville
  - Lexi Brown-Fairfax
  - Isabella Hamner-Lake Career & Technical Center
  - Liam Hansen-Mt. Vernon
  - Leeanna Bell-Rich Hill
  - Quin Staten-Tarkio
- Accepted in the TALENT Competition:
  - Emma Pitford-Clark County
  - Rob Wollgast-Elsberry
  - Tony Jennings-Gilman City
  - Kennedy Parrish-Green City
  - Ivory Schoonover-Nixa
  - Kayson Fuller-Smithville
  - John Malter-Smithville
  - Judd Malter-Smithville
  - Cody Marshall-Smithville
  - Morgan Skidmore-Smithville

American Degree Recipients—
Missouri (YOU DID IT AGAIN) #1 in American Degrees with 663. All applicants from MO were approved.

2024 MO American Degree Recipients

CDE/LDE Participants—
- Ag Communications-Richmond
- Ag Issues Forum-Silex
- Ag Sales – California
- Ag Mechanics – North Shelby
- Agronomy – North Shelby
- Conduct of Meetings – Chillicothe
- Creed – Jasmine Appledorn, Milan
- Dairy Cattle – Logan-Rogersville
- Dairy Handlers Activity-James Defreece, Marshfield
- Employment Skills – Larissa Larrick, South Shelby
- Environment & Natural Resources—Elsberry
- Extemp Speaking – Evelyn Ritter, Seneca
- Farm Business Mgt – North Shelby
- Floriculture – Owensville
- Food Science – Palmyra
- Forestry – Gallatin
- Horse – Ozark
- Livestock – Nevada
- Meats – Slater
- Milk Quality – Fair Play
- Nursery/Landscape – Audrain Co. R-VI
- Parliamentary – Troy
- Poultry – Pierce City
- Public Speaking – Kaden Pham, Pierce City
- Vet Science – Columbia

Oct 07 2024

The Joy of Today

2024-2025, Mikaela Rojas

Mikaela Rojas, 1st Vice President

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to northern Missouri with the National FFA president, Amara Jackson, and our Missouri FFA president, Andi Belt. I had a mission on my mind: to complete engaging chapter visits with Amara and Andi and soak up as much information as I possibly could. Halfway through my trip to meet up with them, I was met with a big, orange “ROAD CLOSED” sign. Immediately, I panicked because I knew if I rerouted and followed the roads my GPS wanted me to, I would never meet Amara and Andi on time. In this moment of worry, I looked over my shoulder and noticed an unmarked gravel road. With no other choice and a countdown ticking away in my mind, I turned down the road.

As I drove, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. The morning sun began to rise, casting a warm glow across the fields ready for harvest. I was captivated by the sight of farmers diligently harvesting their crops in the distance, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines the agricultural community. This unexpected detour allowed me to witness the beauty of agriculture I take for granted in the busyness of day-to-day life. I arrived just in time to meet Amara and Andi with a brand new perspective in tow. This experience taught me that sometimes the best moments come from embracing the unexpected and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

FFA members, as you navigate all of the “gravel roads” in your life and your dreams of future success, remember this – “Do not let the pursuit of tomorrow diminish the joy of today.” Celebrate small victories, build friendships and take time to enjoy the process of learning. Let your journey be rich with both purpose and happiness; the path to success is just as meaningful as the destination itself!

Sep 04 2024

Looking Through A Different Lens

2024-2025, Emma Robinson

Emma Robinson

If you know me, you know I have a long bucket list of things to do and places to see. One thing that has been on my list for years has been to see the northern lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the lights showcase bright greens, pinks and purples throughout the sky. While they are most commonly seen in northern countries like Canada and Russia, the light show sometimes reaches into parts of the United States. When I found out I was going to have an opportunity to see them, I knew I had to take it. However, instead of packing up my winter clothes and traveling up north, the lights came to me.

Around mid-May, many of us in Missouri were told the northern lights would be visible in our backyard. So, just like everyone else, I waited for the sun to set and focused my eyes on the sky. But, after about an hour of waiting, I started questioning if the lights were actually visible in our area. The night sky was just as black as usual with no sign of the Aurora. Feeling dissatisfied, I started to head inside. As I got to the door, I turned around to take a picture as proof that it was just a normal night. However, the picture that followed was anything but ordinary. Amid the bright stars, pink and purple painted the sky. While I couldn’t see it with my eyes, my phone was able to capture scenery like no other.

So often I find myself going into places with expectations, only to be disappointed when things don’t go as I had hoped. From contests to interviews, I remember leaving discontent with my performance countless times. In those situations, I was looking at life through a narrow lens. But, looking back, I realize that a low placing at a contest helped me see the places where I needed to work harder to prepare next time. An interview that didn’t go the way I had hoped allowed me to learn from my mistakes to prepare for the future. When I sat outside waiting to see the Aurora, I was upset that I didn’t see the lights as I had hoped. But, all I needed was a different perspective. All we need to do is look through a different lens.

Sep 04 2024

Seasons of Change

2024-2025, Braden Havlik

Braden Havlik

As I was driving home after my first week of classes at Mizzou, I was struck by the remarkable amount of change that occurred in the short time I had been gone. The corn, which was bright green just one week prior, now had a golden shimmer as I drove by, and in certain fields, some farmers had already begun their harvest. Even the cattle I passed seemed larger than before, with calving season soon approaching. All this made me realize our lives are constantly changing, just like the crops and livestock many of us spend a lifetime producing.

With so much change in our lives, oftentimes it can be difficult to adapt. I, for one, have experienced this difficulty first-hand moving into college. Before the move, I wasn’t too worried about making new friends or adjusting to life in the city of Columbia. However, I soon realized that wasn’t the scary part of moving. The part I found to be the most difficult was losing the people I had gone to school with for four years prior and the small town I grew up in. These were things I had too often taken for granted, and I had no idea how much I would miss them until they were gone.

Missouri FFA members, you are going to encounter so much change in your journey through FFA and through life. Whether it be moving schools, switching up your SAE or simply starting the new school year, there is so much change in all of our lives. I encourage us all to live each season of life as though it’s our last. We never know when the time in one chapter of our life is over and a new one will begin, so embrace the seasons of change!

Aug 20 2024

Peewee

2024-2025, Gavin Rhode

Gavin Rhode, Secretary

Think back on some of the most nostalgic memories you have from your childhood. Maybe you are thinking of roller skating parties, visiting the zoo or buying a freezing cold ice cream sandwich from everyone’s favorite Sweet Treat Truck. Now for me … my memory is a little bit different. Let me set the stage for you a little bit.

It is a steaming hot day right in the middle of July. People are walking around, stressed out of their minds, covered in sweat and hoping for the best. I can still remember the sounds, smells and noises of that day. Right at this moment, reality officially sets in. I am about to walk into the show ring for the very first time. This was a moment my family and I had been looking forward to for years! Now, time for the buzzkill. Unfortunately it was just peewee showmanship at the Clinton County Fair and it was just my brother’s Hereford heifer, Tess. However, this is still a moment that will stick out to me for the rest of my life. Getting the chance to officially walk in that ring and be awarded with my trophy made me the happiest boy in the world. That trophy is still on display in my room to this day.

Fast forward 12 long years, I am now showing a string full of cattle and pigs, while taking them all over the country to compete at the highest level. I’m making tons of memories each and every day and meeting new people everywhere I go. The one thing that has stayed constant throughout my entire experience – I still go back and show at the Clinton County Fair each and every year. Getting the opportunity to continue on my own legacy at the county fair is awesome. Instead of participating in peewee showmanship this year, I exhibited the Grand Champion heifer and bull, as well as Reserve Champion market barrow. I get to set the example to the younger generation now, that mentors set for me long ago. Missouri FFA, never forget where you started. Most importantly, never lose the peewee spirit.

Aug 09 2024

Success Looks Different for Everyone

2024-2025, Matthew Lakey

Matthew Lakey

I was recently asked by a member at week one of Missouri FFA Camp what they needed to do to become most successful. When I heard this question, I was automatically taken back to my freshman year when I was first beginning my FFA journey. As a freshman, I was determined that I was going to be the best at everything I did. My first creed speaking contest rolls around, I say the creed and await the results. I heard the results and not only did I not win, I didn’t even place in the top five. To say I was disappointed was a major understatement. I was questioning whether or not I wanted to stay in FFA just because I had not succeeded in my eyes. However, while I thought I failed, the work ethic I developed because of my failure was the true success I experienced in this scenario.

During my sophomore year of high school, I had told myself I wanted to participate in the Livestock Judging CDE. That year, my team was lucky enough to qualify for the state contest and were more than ecstatic to get to go to state. The day of the state contest rolls around, we carefully pick our placings, say our reasons and head back to the hotel after the contest. When we heard the results, we were crushed. We had worked so incredibly hard all season long in order to meet our goal at state, and we thought we had simply failed. While this could have been seen as a failure, the success we experienced was getting to cheer other members from our chapter on. While we may have not been able to meet our goal, we were able to watch other members achieve theirs.

FFA members, as you start this year off strong and take every opportunity you can, always remember that success looks different for each and every person.

Aug 01 2024

Leading With Love

2024-2025, Carmen Wilburn

Carmen Wilburn

“I am not the loudest leader in the room but I will work hard, always put my best foot forward, and make sure everyone feels seen.”

I remember saying these exact words during officer interviews. I’ve never been the one to raise my voice and take over a room, which is often the image we see when we think of leadership. This stigma was always in the back of my mind throughout high school and left me questioning if I was the best person for the job.

One of my core values has always been: actions speak louder than words. I am not a loud bubbly person, and I will not pretend to be. At the beginning of my senior year I remember having a conversation with my mom about being a leader for my teammates. I remember her saying, “Be the leader you needed when you were them.” This advice from my mom made me realize that leadership doesn’t always require a loud voice or a commanding presence. Instead, it’s about embodying the qualities you want to see in others and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported.

As the year progressed I found myself assessing my teams. Our basketball and softball teams were inexperienced and low on numbers and confidence. Rather than stepping in and being the leader that takes over and yells, I embraced my quiet nature and was the leader who cared and supported. While we didn’t have winning seasons we created confidence and atmospheres that exceeded our expectations. As I move forward, I carry this lesson with me: being a leader doesn’t mean changing who you are to fit a mold. I can confidently say that embracing my quieter, more personal approach helped me become the leader I’ve always aspired to be.

You can be a leader, too. Step up and just be you.

Aug 01 2024

Be the best version of you, not the perfect version

2024-2025, Andi Belt

Andi Belt, President

I can safely say I have always held myself to huge standards and high expectations. The bar has always been set incredibly high, and I strived to meet those goals. Naturally, my competitive nature pushed me to be a perfectionist, and a little scared of failure. You can imagine my uneasiness about trying the Ag Mechanics contest my senior year. Not only was it an extremely challenging contest, but I also didn’t know the first thing about tractor parts, was known for welding my tip shut, and had never heard of sweating copper.

The first few practice contests left me feeling like a complete failure. I somehow managed to burn my hand holding copper tubing and shock myself on a circuit. Knowing that giving up wasn’t an option in my mind, I reached out to my advisors and teammates for extra help. As I began to put more effort and time into it, by the end I began to see a lot of growth in myself. At the final practice contest of the year, the same girl who burned and shocked herself, placed high individual overall.

I’m still not an Ag Mech pro, but what I did learn is how silly trying to be perfect is. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still a very competitive person – and that’s okay, but we can’t let our competitiveness ruin the experiences, take the fun out of the process, and make perfection our end goal. As long as you’re challenging yourself, trying new things, and learning along the way – then that’s a win in my book. Being the best possible version of yourself is way more important than being the perfect version!

AREA

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

Love Your People

Progress over Perfection

Take The First Step

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 Joy of Today

Looking Through A Different Lens

Seasons of Change

Peewee

Success Looks Different for Everyone

Leading With Love

Be the best version of you, not the perfect version

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