Katie Fredrickson, VP

VP 2022-2023

• Vegetable Production – I operate a vegetable production business where I grow tomato and pepper plants from seed. Once germinated, I sell them at the Webb City Farmers Market and roadside stands. I also select the best of the plants to be grown in a hoop house. Then, I harvest them once grown and ripened with the smallest amount of color.
  
• Outdoor Recreation – I work in placement at Joplin Centerfire Precision Shooting Range. During a day at work, I educate the public on how to safely operate firearms, in addition to selling firearms and ammunition.
  
• Diversified Horticulture – After continuing my family’s vegetable production operation, I also gained another job at Webb City Florist and Greenhouse. There, I serve as a floral designer where I assist in creating floral arrangements by order. 

I decided to run for a Missouri State Officer to make an impact in something bigger than myself. To me, it is extremely important to make personal connections with each member I come across, teaching them the importance of hardwork, integrity and kindness to everyone.

My hero is my PaPa. He is always optimistic and sees the glass half full rather than half empty. At a young age, he was left as an orphan after his parents sudden death. Despite the obstacle, he found light in the situation and pushed himself to be stronger each day. My Papa taught me to work hard and persevere even when the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be fading.

My future plans are to attend the University of Missouri at Columbia to major in agriculture education. After graduation, I hope to return to Carl Junction to strike a passion for the agriculture industry inside members as well as the community. I would also like to work closely with the government to advocate for agriculture.

Something I am interested in is shooting sports. In fifth grade, I joined the archery team and my love for the recreational sport began. During my time in shooting sports, I have competed on the high school trap team, placed nationally in archery and gained a job in the industry. 

My advice to other FFA members is to work hard, have integrity and don’t worry about what others think about you; it will only drag you down.