JEFFERSON CITY —Today, on behalf of nearly 27,000 members of Missouri FFA, Governor Mike Parson proclaimed Feb. 17-24, 2024, to be National FFA Week in Missouri.

“FFA members are the future of Missouri agriculture,” Governor Mike Parson said. “The First Lady and I live an agricultural lifestyle, and we’re encouraged by the leadership we see displayed in Missouri FFA members who will uphold valuable traditions and introduce new ones. Each time we interact with this group, we’re reminded that both the industry and state we love is in great hands.”

For the sixth year in a row, Gov. Parson drove a John Deere tractor to the Capitol in honor of the FFA tradition of students driving their tractor to school during National FFA Week. Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe joined in on the tradition again this year, demonstrating his ties to agriculture and commitment to FFA students. FFA members drove restored tractors alongside the Governor and Lieutenant Governor this year, and a display of tractors from local implement dealers was showcased in front of the Capitol. Missouri FFA President Sam Tummons from the Columbia FFA Chapter received the FFA Week proclamation on behalf of the 2023-2024 Missouri FFA State Officer team.

“As a first-generation farmer, I am proud to celebrate Missouri agriculture alongside the passionate and ambitious members of Missouri FFA,” Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe said. “Events like the FFA Week tractor drive are a great way to honor the role these students play in the future of our state’s leading industry.”

In 1928, 33 young men met at the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., and began the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). Today, the organization’s official name is the National FFA Organization, which 96 years later is represented by 9,163 FFA chapters and 945,988 members nationwide.

“This event is always fun for my team and I,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “The excitement on the FFA members faces when they see the Governor and Lieutenant Governor pull up to the Capitol in tractors is priceless. It reminds me why I do what I do. Missouri FFA members are sure to advance the future of agriculture and I’m proud to watch them do it.”

Missouri FFA continues to help the next generation rise to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population. FFA allows members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. Missouri is home to 362 chapters and more than 26,830 members, ranking eighth nationally for membership.

“The Missouri FFA Association is a great example of how education meets opportunity,” Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven said. “Having an in-class agriculture education experience, coupled with participation in an FFA chapter, can help students find their path to success. We are proud of the Missouri FFA members and advisors who are building a brighter tomorrow.”

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.

To learn more about the Missouri FFA Association, visit MissouriFFA.org.

For more information on the department and its programs, visit agriculture.mo.gov.