Leading by Example. Every Day.
As the next generation of agriculturists, we can't wait to see what you do. You show us every day that you are young leaders setting an example, serving communities and reaching goals. Let us help you on that journey to success. Give us a call or visit myfcsfinancial.com to learn more about the opportunities available through our youth support programs.
Officer • Chapter
Andi Belt • North Shelby President
Mikaela Rojas • Linn Co. 1st Vice President
Gavin Rhode • East Buchanan Secretary
Vice Presidents
Annabelle Carlisle • Senath-Hornersville
Gentrie Davis • Marshall
Amelia Hawkins • Ashland
Braden Havlik • Silex
Kennedy Heil • Norborne
Kade Jenkins • Mount Vernon
Matthew Lakey • Ava
Langston Mitchell • Cassville
Alexis Mullins • St. James
Jackson Rhine • Joplin
Emma Robinson • Republic
Madilynn Wehmeyer • Columbia
Carmen Wilburn • Van-Far
State Officer Mentor
Claire Walker
Department of Elementary & Secondary Education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone (573) 751-3544
District Supervisors:
Teresa Briscoe, Lee Crabtree, Marie Davis, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins & Jim Spencer.
Missouri FFA Association
Joann Pipkin, Director of Communications joann.pipkin@missouriffa.org (417) 827-2756
Brandelyn Twellman, Social Media Manager brandelyn.twellman@missouriffa.org
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, or any other basis prohibited by statute in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Director of Civil Rights Compliance and MOA Coordinator (Title VI/Title VII/Title IX/504/ADA/ADAAA/Age Act/GINA/USDA Title VI), 5th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.
TO: Duane Melton
FROM: Republic FFA Member
My Ag Teacher is Great Because ...
He truly loves his job. Mr. Melton was made to teach. He has a positive outlook on everything and isn’t afraid to try something new. Mr. Melton is amazing, and I can’t imagine our ag program without him. Thank you for everything, Mr. Melton.
Teach Ag Day Celebration Success
Congratulations to these Missouri agricultural education teachers who were named the winners of the National Teach Ag Day Celebration contest, sponsored by National Teach Ag:
WHY TEACH AG?
“
Experiencing student growth is what makes teaching ag great! I love seeing the look on my students’ faces when they accomplish something that they never thought they could do. I also enjoy watching them grow and learn; the moment that an idea or concept clicks is a magical moment to witness. Watching students grow personally and professionally is what makes teaching ag great!”
—Jackie Carlson, Agriculture Instructor, Jefferson C-123 School
Are you interested in a career in agricultural education?
Learn more at www.moteachag.org.
• 1st place, winning $300 — Grace Miller, Blair Oaks Day in the Life of an Ag Teacher Assignment
• 2nd place, winning $200 — Kenzie Shriver, Diamond National Teach Ag Day Escape Room
• 3rd place, winning $100 — Angel Roller, Seneca Ag Teachers Produce Superstars
Look for these outstanding celebration ideas at moteachag.org
MISSOURI FFA IN ACTION
A new year brings resolutions and a time to pause and reset. Check out how the Missouri FFA State Officers are kicking off the new year. Click at right to view the action! Meet Miller FFA
State FFA Vice President Emma Robinson met with Miller FFA members during a chapter visit last month. Members explored careers and used their creativity to dig deep into discovering the possibilities FFA has to offer and how those can be applied to their futures.
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Busyness is such a blessing. In a world where a full schedule and busy calendar can often be looked at as such a burden, I am counting all the long car drives, early mornings, chaotic schedules and busyness of my year of service not only as joy, but also as a huge blessing! Chapter visit season is officially in full swing, and I couldn’t be more grateful! Getting the chance to serve my home area, Area 3, this year is truly special for me. The places, the people and the community that poured so much into me is the community I now have the chance to give back to. While the gestures, advice and encouragement given to me by so many people in
our organization may have seemed small to them, the impact it left sure wasn’t. For myself, as well as many of the other state officers, the chance to serve Missouri FFA this year and make an impact feels like a full circle moment. Traveling around the state and throughout Area 3 has left me feeling more excited for the future of the FFA organization than I ever dreamed possible. The energy members brought at Knox County and Schuyler County, enthusiasm I saw at South Shelby, excitement and positive attitudes the members had at North Shelby, the accomplishments and celebration I got to be a part of at Milan, and the joy the Bucklin members brought to me
was nothing short of impactful. Not only am I thankful for the busyness so far, but I can’t wait to visit the rest of my Area 3 schools and for any chances I have to connect with Missouri FFA members! During this crazy season of life, I hope we all choose to embrace the busyness and count it as a blessing.
Andi
Andi Belt State President
The MFA Foundation has awarded more than 15,500 scholarships to students from rural communities where MFA Incorporated and MFA Oil Company and their affiliates conduct business. The foundation also contributes to the Missouri 4-H Foundation, Missouri FFA Association, Missouri Young Farmers Association and other programs consistent with its mission to provide educational opportunity for youth.
Eligible high school seniors can apply for the scholarship online from December 1, 2024 through February 15, 2025.
www.MFAFoundation.com
CHAPTER SPOTLIGHTS
Prepared to Perform
Explore how North Shelby FFA members prepare for nationalwinning efforts in their Career Development Events.
The North Shelby FFA Chapter saw great success at the 97th National FFA Convention with first place Ag Mechanics, Agronomy and Farm Management teams. Their secret? A unique approach to Career Development Events (CDEs).
“CDEs are an extension of the classroom and a way for students to explore curriculum in more depth than what class time allows,” says Harold Eckler, one of the ag education teachers and FFA advisors at North Shelby.
The approach allows students to explore topics they’re interested in and already learning about.
These experiences have been known to open students’ eyes to future interests in the industry.
“CDEs are valuable because they give students hands-on experience and practical skills that are useful in real life and future careers,” says
Jenny Bradley, another North Shelby ag teacher and FFA advisor. “Students learn to work as a team, think on their feet and solve problems. CDEs also expose students to different career paths in agriculture.”
Students agree.
“My favorite part of the Agronomy CDE was the entomology section,” says Lindy Schwanke, a member of the agronomy team. “I would have never thought I would enjoy looking at insects, but now I am considering a future in entomology.”
Agronomy team member Trinity Dreckshage says her CDE experience also gave her a deeper understanding of something she’s been involved with her whole life – her family farm.
“With my dad being a farmer and having some prior knowledge from my on-farm experience, this CDE gave me a chance to see what my dad and other surrounding farmers were
doing with their crop from a career standpoint, and not as an outsider,” she explains.
Beyond knowledge and skill, pairing up students with similar goals is an important part of their CDE process. Students say advisor dedication is also a key to their success.
While teacher and student dedication is key, community support doesn’t hurt.
“Our community values FFA and thinks that CDEs are an important part,” Eckler says. “As such, they are very supportive of the students and activities that make up the program. From encouragement throughout the year to donating their time and expertise to host an invitational contest each March, they demonstrate a commitment that helps motivate our students.”
Doing to Learn
Sweet Springs students learn hands-on lessons outside the classroom and inside the ag shop.
If you take a walk around the Sweet Springs school district, you’ll see many areas touched by agricultural education students. Brent Niemeyer, one of the Sweet Springs agricultural education teachers and FFA advisors, says lessons beyond his shop walls are sometimes the most valuable.
“Our focus is on real-world experience,” Niemeyer says. “We do a lot of projects around our school. We’ve poured concrete at the softball and baseball fields, restored picnic tables and benches, replaced stairs and even helped put up fences.”
Niemeyer teaches ag power and ag structures on an every-other-year rotation. His Ag Science II and eighth grade students also get time in the ag shop. He says this time spent learning outside of the classroom is a highlight for many. It also instills invaluable skills.
“Our ag shop allows students to utilize problem solving skills while learning hands on,” Niemeyer explains.
“I want them to trouble shoot, experiment, try. If they can learn from mistakes they make, we’ve accomplished our goal.”
Sweet Springs students have benefitted their community, as well. For example, Niemeyer’s classes have built storage buildings for a grocery store and a local farmer.
“I work to provide real-world experiences for my students,” he says. “I give them independence, teach them responsibility and, hopefully, let them take ownership in their projects.”
The ag power classes work primarily on small gas engines. Ag structures focuses on concrete and electricity. Ag Science II students work to build items like metal stools, bookshelves and tables. Niemeyer’s eighth graders spend one quarter on woodworking skills, making items like squirrel feeders and bird houses, and the other learning welding and metal cutting.
Each student is given the freedom to make safe mistakes.
“I’m a firm believer that you learn a lot more by failing than you do succeeding,” Niemeyer says. “The shop is very much that way. I give guidance on how to be safe and use the tools, but after that, I let them loose to learn from their own mistakes.”
This tactic resonates with his students.
“Everything is hands on and learn as you go at your own pace,” says Xander Ross, a senior at Sweet Springs. “It allows us to learn things on our own instead of just being told what to do.”
Through this method of shop instruction, students also learn that their dedication to a project makes all the difference.
“I give my students the chance to take ownership,” Niemeyer explains. “They learn firsthand that their work ethic makes a big difference in whether or not they are successful.”
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
FFA TODAY: Tell us a little about yourself.
WHEELER: I currently reside in Osceola on my family’s farm. I attended Missouri State University where I majored in agriculture business. This is where I learned to combine my passion for the western industry with a love for marketing. When I’m not working at my desk or in person at events, you’ll likely find me riding horses with my younger sister, Bailey, or cheering on my boyfriend, Tyler, at a rodeo in steer wrestling.
FFA TODAY: Tell us about your involvement in agriculture.
WHEELER: I grew up assisting in day-to-day tasks on my family’s cow-calf operation. When I was in high school, you could often find me at the family livestock auction, Wheeler and Sons Livestock, working in the office or penning in the back. Throughout college, you could find me at Mo-Kan Livestock working in the vet shack, office or creating content for their social media pages. These days, I’m often behind the camera capturing and creating content to promote western and agriculture industry businesses.
FFA TODAY: Can you share about your current occupation?
WHEELER: I work full-time for the Equine Network’s Western Sports Group as a digital content creator, creating web articles, social media posts, capturing and posting content across social media and digital platforms. This includes curating content for the editorial brands CalfRoping.com and BarrelRacing.com, instructional platforms at Roping.com and Ride TV, plus working live and on location at some of the top western rodeo and jackpot events across the U.S. to support brands like The Breakaway Roping Journal and Team Roping Journal. In addition, I am the owner and founder of my own
NAME: Hannah Wheeler
HOMETOWN: Osceola, MO
FFA CHAPTER: Osceola
COLLEGE: Missouri State University, Agriculture Business
OCCUPATION: Digital Content Creator
company, Rafter W Marketing & Media. I run media accounts for clients, plus provide full-service marketing campaigns based on the individual or organization’s specific needs.
FFA TODAY: What was the greatest lesson you learned in FFA?
WHEELER: Learning to handle rejection was the most valuable lesson I took away from FFA. When I attended the Public Speaking Academy as a sophomore, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of Andrew McCrea’s words in Making Molehills out of Mountains. It wasn’t until my senior year when I ran for state office and faced my first real disappointment that those words truly resonated. I had dedicated my entire FFA career to becoming a state officer, so not being elected felt devastating. However, that experience turned out to be one of my greatest blessings. I learned how to overcome setbacks, refocus and set new goals, which eventually led me to an event internship with RFD-TV and the CowboyChannel. There, I discovered my true passion for western industry marketing. Sometimes, the dreaded ‘no’s’ are just stepping stones toward the ‘yes’ that’s meant for us.
FFA TODAY: How did FFA impact where you are today?
WHEELER: The leadership skills I gained through FFA have been invaluable in shaping my career and daily life. Without FFA, I wouldn’t have secured an internship with RFD-TV and the CowboyChannel, an experience that equipped me with the skills needed to thrive in my career.
FFA TODAY: What advice do you have for current FFA members?
WHEELER: Embrace every opportunity that comes your way! Whether it’s your SAE project or a contest team, the life lessons you gain through FFA will positively impact nearly every aspect of your daily life in the future.
Dietzschold Named Outstanding State Supervisor
Missouri Agricultural Education Director and FFA
State Advisor Keith Dietzschold’s tenure in agricultural education spans over 40 years and has been marked by grit, organization and unwavering support for the industry. Dietzschold was recently recognized for these decades of dedication, as he was named Outstanding State Supervisor by the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education during their annual conference October 22 in Indianapolis, Ind.
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. He has influenced agricultural education throughout the state during these years of serving youth in agriculture.
“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,” says retired National FFA Officer Paxton Dahmer. “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. His influence in ag education continues today.
UPCOMING events
DEC 15 2025 Youth Pork Ambassador Program Scholarship Applications Due
JAN 4 Public Speaking Institute, Springfield
JAN 9 Online Application Closes for National FFA Scholarship
JAN 14 Mo State Fair Foundation Youth in Ag Scholarship Applications Due
JAN 18 Public Speaking Institute, Columbia
JAN 30 Northwest Missouri State University School of Agricultural Sciences Visit Day, Maryville
JAN 31-FEB 1 Missouri Young Farmer/Young Farm Wives State Convention, Columbia
FEB 1 Missouri AgriBusiness Academy Applications Due
FEB 14 HYMAX Applications Due
FEB 14 HYPE Applications Due
FEB 15 New Century Farm Conference Appplication Due
GREENHAND MOTIVATIONAL CONFERENCES
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. Scan to view the schedule https://missouriffa.org/ blog/2024/2025-greenhand-conferences/
Missouri saw great success at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo. Congratulations to all who participated. We are proud of your hard work.
Click right for a complete list of winners!
YOUR SUPPORT MISSOURI AGRICULTURE APPAREL TODAY!
more: www.supportmissouriagriculture.com • 100% USA Grown, Sewn, and Manufacture T-Shirts • Hat, Stickers, gifts, and more products released weekly!
20% of proceeds go directly back to Missouri FFA Foundation to help ensure Missouri’s agricultural future.
SAE Grants Give Career Experience
Last November, Sophie Geppert, a North Callaway FFA member, applied for a Missouri FFA Foundation SAE Grant to support a diversified livestock operation. She wanted to expand her small herd of Registered Holstein cows and heifers while also adding butcher hogs to her project.
Geppert developed three goals for this operation. The first goal was to create a pig watering system.
“Last year was my first year having pigs; I did not know how destructive they were,” she says. “I provided them with a five-gallon bucket attached to the fence with a nipple to drink out of. By the end of the summer, their water bucket was in very bad condition.”
That winter, Geppert sought advice on what she could make to efficiently provide her pigs with clean water. She used funds from the grant to create a watering system with a hose and nipple attached to the wall inside the pig pen, offering a continuous supply of clean water.
Geppert’s second goal was to improve the fencing and pens on her farm. She shared that many of
the fences on her property were built by her grandpa and were starting to show their age. Through the grants, she was able to buy panels and other supplies to fix fences to keep her cows in and pens to house the pigs.
“Over the past year, my mom and I have rewired and added new fence posts to many of the pre-existing structures,” she says. “I discovered how secure a pig pen needs to be. I spent many hours putting dirt into the pen, wiring panels so they are extra tight, and making sure everything was ‘pig proof’ before I got my pigs in April.”
Geppert’s third SAE goal was to increase the health of her cattle. In the past, Geppert’s farm had many issues with clostridium - a viral infection that affects the intestinal tract of animals. Losing young calves to the infection had a detrimental impact on growing her herd. She used grant funds to take a proactive approach to the problem, developing a vaccination schedule. Every calf on her farm now receives multiple preventative vaccines before they reach a year old.
“Since I have started this schedule, my herd’s health has improved greatly,” Geppert says. “My SAE has taught me the importance of details. This attention to detail will help in my future career to ensure I complete the task thoroughly.”
In addition to attention to detail, Geppert notes that she has also learned things don’t always go as planned. Through a strong work ethic and the ability to remain flexible, she has been able to push through the challenges presented through her SAE project, learning invaluable skills needed for career success.
Like Geppert, many students rely on their SAE projects to gain real world experience in agriculture. You can help more students gain this experience by making a donation to the Missouri FFA Foundation to support SAE grants at https://donorbox.org/moffafoundation.
WHICH CHRISTMAS COOKIE ARE YOU?
1. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
a. Caroling
b. Seeing Christmas Lights
c. Cookie Baking
d. Decorating the Tree
2. Pick a Christmas character:
a. Santa
b. The Grinch
c. Elf
d. Frosty the Snowman
3. Which gift is on your list?
a. A New Ornament
b. Cozy Slippers
c. The Newest Tech
d. Art and Craft Supplies
4. Pick a season:
a. Winter
b. Spring
c. Summer
d. Fall
RESULTS:
5. Who is your favorite reindeer?
a. Rudolf
b. Vixon
c. Dancer
d. Cupid
6. What is your favorite winter drink?
a. Hot Cocoa
b. Hot Tea
c. Eggnog
d. Latte
7. Pick a word to describe your holiday season:
a. Traditional
b. Slow
c. Exciting
d. Creative
8. Pick a crop to grow:
a. Corn
b. Soybeans
c. Milo
d. Cotton
9. Pick an animal to raise:
a. Cattle
b. Sheep
c. Pigs
d. Goats
10. What is your New Years Resolution?
a. To exercise more.
b. To stop a bad habit.
c. To take a bucket list trip.
d. To learn a new skill.
If you picked mostly A’s: You’re a Chocolate Chip Cookie! You like a classic holiday season. You appreciate tradition and are quite nostalgic. You enjoy being cozy and look forward to what the winter season brings. Spend some extra time in the presence of friends and family this year!
If you picked mostly B’s: You’re a Snickerdoodle Cookie! You like to keep things simple during the holidays. You enjoy the slower pace of this season and see it as a time to stop and smell the roses. You appreciate the classics without needing to go overboard. Spend some extra time snuggled up by the fire this year!
If you picked mostly C’s: You’re a Decorated Sugar Cookie! You like the fun this season brings. You enjoy getting out and trying new things during the holidays. You appreciate the time you get to spend being active and meeting new people. Spend some extra time at the ice rink or sledding in the snow this year!
If you picked mostly D’s: You’re a Gingerbread Cookie! You like to spend the holiday season expressing creativity. You appreciate the Christmas lights, decorations and DIYs. You enjoy gifting handmade gifts and look forward to the chance to express yourself each year. Spend some extra time baking cookies or decorating a gingerbread house this year!
