Next generation of agriculture students benefit from new wing at Cameron HS

By Jimmy Potts Editor editor@mycameronnews.com

One of Missouri’s oldest, and most successful, FFA programs may soon become one of its most technologically sophisticated after the opening an entire building wing dedicated to developing the next generation of agriculture professionals.

After outgrowing their previous facility, Cameron High school agriculture students began using the new building wing, which remains under construction as contractors continue installing machinery and cosmetic improvements.

“The level of pride the kids had this year, and I think we’re seeing that through some of our competitive events, the kids are performing (well). They have a greater sense of pride and a lot of it comes back to this,” CHS AG Instructor Chris Henderson said.

Shown here is the new Cameron High School AG/FFA facility, which began constructed as a result of 2021 $10 million B.E.S.T. Bond. Scan the QR code for a video of the facility, including an interview with CHS AG Teacher and FFA Advisor Chris Henderson.

Following multiple meetings with the students, parents and community professionals, Cameron R-1 School District officials formulated a plan to take the CHS FFA program into the next century with the previous building falling into disrepair after decades of constant use. In 2020, voters approved the $10 million B.E.S.T. Bond and construction soon commenced.

“It’s been amazing. We definitely thank all of the community that voted to extend the bond issue, and get us into a facility we think does a better job of servicing the kids,” Henderson said.

The Cameron FFA program began soon after passage of the 1917 Smith-Hughes Act, which provided federal funds for vocational education. After more than 100 years of operation, Henderson is just the 17th FFA instructor. With financial experts forecasting agriculture to take over big-tech by a large margin as America’s leading industry, Henderson believes the new facility will provide a strong foundation for future agricultural businessmen and women.

“It’s essential. We’re seeing that. A lot of times I go back to the contests, and a lot of times those are the only things the public sees,” Henderson said. “We’re starting to see that change come through [contests], especially with food science and technology. That’s a new area for most AG Programs. Most of the time, we haven’t been into that a whole lot, but now we are.”