Missouri FFA Today - December 2021

Missouri

FFA TODAY Contents 1 SHOP VIEWS: LEARNING TO DO 2 president’s perspective 4 invested in the future 9 state star full-time farmer 11 second nature conferences 14 Greenhand

ON THE

calendar

Dec 5 State Speaking Contest Finals: Sheep Producer, Teach Ag & Farm Bureau, Margaritaville Lake Resort Dec 15 Youth Pork Ambassador Program Scholarship Applications Due Jan 7-9 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, Columbia

finding fuel

for the Future George frees focuses research on sugarcane, ethanol production ass Career Center FFA member George Frees wants the best for humankind and the environment.

That mindset serves him well and helped him earn top honors at the National FFA Convention in October for his Agriscience Plant Systems Research Proficiency for excellence in his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).

Frees’ plant systems SAE consisted of two

experiments that examined the physical, chemical, and genetic effects of the application of gibberellic acid on the productivity of agriculturally important commodities from the sugarcane species Saccharum officinarum.

“My main focus of the experiment was to investigate the effects of the acid application on ethanol production,” Frees explains. “Ethanol has great potential as a replacement for fossil continued on pAGE 6

George Frees won a national proficiency award in Agriscience Plant Systems Research for a study he conducted on sugarcane.

He’s a member of the Cass Career Center FFA chapter.

Jan 8 Public Speaking Institute, Springfield Jan 13 Heart of America Dairy Expo Career Day, Springfield Jan 15 Public Speaking Institute, Columbia

missouriffa.org @Missouri FFA @missouriffa #MOFFAisHOME

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2021-22 State ffa officers Officer • Chapter Kaitlin Kleiboeker • Pierce City President Abigail Miller • Eldon 1st Vice President Emily Hoyt • Audrain Co. R-VI Secretary Vice Presidents Chris Ebbesmeyer • Paris Vanessa Enslow • East Newton Meagan Forck • Blair Oaks Rachel Grimes • Archie Seth Hansen • Chillicothe Trenton Jones • Higginsville Izabella Hutton Kidwell • Troy Caitlyn Kleffner • Rolla Kraysen Leonard • El Dorado Springs Grant Norfleet • Mexico Hannah Shanks • Vienna Riley Spurgeon • Cuba Anna Triplett • Memphis State Officer Mentor Dakota Pemberton Department of Elem. & Sec. Education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3544.

President’s

Perspective

he smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls coming from the oven. The sound of the fire crackling in the fireplace. The laughter in the air at Grandma’s house on Christmas afternoon. The sweet taste of oyster stew for lunch. With Christmas right around the corner, I cannot help but think about all my family traditions that I enjoy every year. I am excited for the whole family to return home and celebrate together.

As my cousins and I start growing up, going to college, getting jobs, and moving away, I realize how important it is for us all to gather in one place for Christmas. This family raised us, taught us, and helped us find success. We must remember where we came from to keep discovering where we are going.

I recently had the opportunity to attend National FFA Convention. This was an incredible opportunity to meet FFA members from across the country. My team and I met some amazing and inspiring young leaders from every corner of the United States.

However, what I thought was even better was seeing our very own Missouri FFA members and watching them grow and thrive through this opportunity. I even had the chance to meet up with my home chapter, Pierce City FFA. I realized I never would have been attending convention as a state officer if my home chapter had not challenged and encouraged me and made me the FFA member I am today. We must remember where we came from to keep discovering where we are going.

As FFA members, we are excited to look to the future. This year I have met some amazing members who I know are the next innovators and creators to develop ideas to improve the future. It is the generations that have come before us that provide the opportunity for us to create our own future. Remember to thank the generations before us for never giving up and providing us a bright tomorrow. We must remember where we came from to keep discovering where we are going! Missouri FFA, the future is bright!

AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

HANDS-ON LEARNING in the classroom and in the field at the Barton Farm Campus.

SIX DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

Come join a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at the college or university of your choice.

in the area of agriculture for transfer or career students.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

NCMISSOURI.EDU

through PAS and Livestock Judging at the state and national levels.

Kaitlin

District Supervisors: Teresa Briscoe, Marie Davis, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, Phil Fox, David Higgins & Jim Spencer.

Former Missouri state FFA Officers joined State FFA President Kaitlin Kleiboeker for the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Missouri FFA Association Joann Pipkin, Director of Communications Email: joann.pipkin@missouriffa.org Phone: (417) 827-2756

OFFICE PRESIDENT SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SCHOOL OF OF THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

98%

Brandelyn Martin Twellman, Social Media Manager Email: brandelyn.twellman@missouriffa.org

PLACEMENT RATE

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

HANDS-ON

Why Choose SFCC Agriculture?

EXPERIENCE

SFCC’s Agriculture program provides a variety of certificates and degrees in agribusiness, agronomy, animal science, and horticulture, as well as an Associate of Arts transfer degree.

AGRICULTURAL LEARNING CENTER

A combination of classroom hours and occupational internships will prepare you to enter the job market.

OPENING NOW OPEN SPRING 2021 2

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Inside missouri ffa

Did you know?

foundation

Heather dimitt-fletcher has a background rich in missouri agriculture and in working with programs connected to ffa and non-profit organizations. As director of the newly formed missouri ffa foundation, dimitt-fletcher believes funding agriculture education will only help prepare youth for the future.

OUR VISION

To Cultivate the next generation of leaders for the agriculture industry and our communities

OUR MISSION

invested in the future fter decades of discussions and dreams by state ag education leaders, agribusiness executives and producers, the Missouri FFA Foundation filed as an official business entity this past summer. And for the organization’s director, the opportunity to serve in the role is a homecoming of sorts for her.

Heather Dimitt-Fletcher is no stranger to agriculture, having learned the value of hard work, persevering through challenges, and experimenting to find solutions all while being a Missouri farm girl.

“These are skills and attributes that have served me well throughout my life,” she

explains. “My career has spanned both education and nonprofit roles. Leading the Missouri FFA Foundation offers the opportunity to use the skill sets I’ve developed in those roles while also helping youth throughout Missouri have some of those same childhood and young adult experiences in agriculture that I did.”

Dimitt-Fletcher was raised in north central Missouri on diversified crop and livestock operations as both her father and step-father farmed. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the University of Missouri and a master’s in education from the University of South Dakota.

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With decades of experience leading programs in schools and nonprofits, including serving as the executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri and as the Professional and Community Education Coordinator at Columbia Area Career Center, Dimitt-Fletcher received the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Missouri College of Education in 2016.

Dimitt-Fletcher also works with the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, primarily with the Agriculture Education on the Move program, the Drive to Feed Kids, and the Leopold Conservation Award programs

— all of which are innately connected to Missouri FFA. She lives near Columbia with her husband, Glen, a Navy veteran.

While the initial focus of the Missouri FFA Foundation has been centered around creating awareness about the organization, recruiting board members, and putting structures and systems in place to allow for corporate and individual gifting, founders are already creating key partnerships to build an impactful future for Missouri’s food, feed, fuel, fiber, and forestry industry.

Already the state’s leading industry, Dimitt-Fletcher says agriculture is expected to experience a 17% growth soon, which will significantly eclipse all other industries.

“We have a responsibility to prepare our youth for the jobs of the future,” she explains.

“Funding agriculture education is a pivotal strategy for that preparation. Additionally, agriculture education provides impactful experiential education opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), another area that both Missouri and the U.S. should be equipping our youth with greater knowledge and skills.”

Dimitt-Fletcher says the last couple of years, the general public has developed a greater awareness of how critical both the food supply chain and skilled trades are to our country and with that the great need we have for more people to enter those career fields.

She addds that Missouri FFA Foundation is examining options to amplify the existing partnerships between Missouri FFA, business sponsors and individuals while seeking additional support from others.

“We hope to identify ways to celebrate the achievements of students, teachers, alumni, companies and others who are making achievements in agriculture education,” she adds. “Within our first few months of becoming an official organization, we’ve already been able to offer SAE grants to students. Soon, we hope to announce a grant opportunity for classroom teachers.”

Dimitt-Fletcher believes every student who wants to participate in agriculture education should have the opportunity to do it. That said, Missouri FFA Foundation works to generate resources to help cover the costs of statewide activities such as state convention, LEAD conference, Public Speaking Academy and many more leadership opportunities. A key effort of the foundation is for sponsors and donors to make enough significant financial investments so that eventually grants are available to students needing financial assistance to participate in FFA activities and to agriculture education teachers who want to diversify or enhance their curriculum and class offerings.

“I genuinely believe the support exists to achieve the foundation’s goals,” DimittFletcher says. “Missouri agriculture education programs already have a great reputation nationwide. I look forward to working with sponsors and donors to build even more on that reputation.”

Editor’s Note: Learn more about the Missouri FFA Foundation, including how to give online, at https://missouriffa.org/ foundation/.

—By Joann Pipkin

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To secure strategic partnerships and financial resources to bolster, enhance, and strengthen the educational and leadership opportunities that promote premier leadership, personal growth and career success for Missouri youth in agricultural education.

YOUR GIFT BENEFITS • Advocacy & Agricultural Literacy • Teacher Recruitment & Retention • Leadership Devlopment & Career Preparation

GIVE TODAY For additional program details and ways you can give, email Heather Dimitt-Fletcher at heather@missouriffa.org

FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

FROM PAGE 1

fuels and would help facilitate a transition to clean, renewable energy.”

Frees says when he began the project, he knew very little about the research process or how to conduct a quality study. Yet, with each experiment he says he improved his management decisions.

“My responsibilities quickly evolved due to unforeseen circumstances during the course of the experiment,” Frees says. “Before data collection had even begun, the coronavirus pandemic necessitated a transition to distanced learning in my school district.”

As the pandemic hit, Frees worked with his FFA advisor to coordinated safe visits to the greenhouse where he kept his sugarcane.

During those trips, he watered the sugarcane and inspected the plants for injuries, pests, or abnormalities. Later in 2020, he routinely visited the greenhouse at least once a day to maintain plant upkeep and continually move plants and tables in the greenhouse because of increasing amount of space required by the

sugarcane plants.

In addition to the pandemic at the beginning of his experiment, Frees says he was also challenged when he failed to successfully

“Environmental consciousness and expansion of clean energy access to economically disadvantaged countries are the driving forces for my work.

–George Frees, Cass Career Center FFA

germinate the first seed stock of sugarcane.

“My initial seed cuttings of sugarcane were germinated in water, as instructed by the grower of the cuttings,” Frees notes. “However, once the cuttings were potted in their final containers, they quickly rotted. This led to a revision of my procedure for producing the plants.”

To avoid a similar setback, Frees placed a second batch of cuttings in shallow trays of soil that he could monitor more closely for signs of disease. He used water catch trays from a washing machine for the process because he says they were large enough to hold sections of the sugarcane culms and were suitable for holding moisture in the soil to encourage growth of the plants. Then, once the plantlets had emerged and were strong enough, he transferred them to their final growing

containers where they remained for the rest of the experiment. The final growth containers were mineral tubs for cattle that he sourced from a local farmer.

“This new method of germination allowed me to successfully germinate and grow the experimental plants,” Frees says.

“A major accomplishment from the experiment was the ability I gained from working with researchers and interns at biotechnology companies,” Frees says. “I have made connections with industry professionals at companies such as InVtria and Catalent, both with research fields that intersect with my work.”

Frees says his knowledge of laboratory procedures helped him secure a renewable internship position with a biotechnology company that will allow him to gain real-world experience in his chosen field and contribute to

the production of medical and biotechnological innovations.

“Environmental consciousness and expansion of clean energy access to economically disadvantaged countries are the driving forces for my work,” he says.

—By Joann Pipkin

George Frees won a national proficiency award in Agriscience Plant Systems Research for a study he conducted on sugarcane. He’s a member of the Cass Career Center FFA chapter.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

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MFA supports you.

The MFA Foundation has awarded more than 14,000 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, 2021 through February 15, 2022.

www.mfafoundation.com mfafoundation .com

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State Star

full-time farmer hat started as a diversified Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) during his years as a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter has transitioned to a full-time operation, allowing Tyler Jones to carry on his family farm, located in Dawn, Missouri. His interest in production agriculture began at a young age, as he farmed alongside his dad and grandfather.

“I’m the fourth generation to farm in my family,” Jones says. “I always wanted to farm and have been doing it since I was little. FFA helped me stay on that path.”

Today, Jones raises row crops and livestock with his mother, Sherry, wife, Caitlin, and son, Leo. Together they continue their family’s legacy. Their operation is made up of corn, soybeans and wheat, along with a commercial cow herd.

Jones calls upon many skills gained throughout his time in the blue jacket, including communications and working well with others.

“I was very active in FFA,” he explains.

“I learned a lot about communication and interacting with other people. I also learned the importance of making connections and getting involved. Being able to communicate has served me well in my role today and allows me to succeed.”

Jones’ dedication to not only the organization, but also production agriculture, his farm and his SAE led him to win a National FFA proficiency award and be

Tyler jones Home FFA Chapter: chillicothe What tyler does: As a fourth generation farmer, Tyler raises row crops and cattle on his family’s farm near Dawn, Missouri. what tyler LEARNED IN FFA: Tyler says some of the biggest lessons he learned in FFA were to be involved and to not be afraid to try new things. He says being able to communicate has also helped him find success.

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Tyler Jones shares how lessons learned in FFA help him carry on his family’s farming legacy.

By Brandelyn Twellman

named the 2005 Missouri FFA State Star Farmer. These accomplishments served as the cornerstone of his FFA career.

After high school, Jones pursued a degree in agricultural systems management at the University of Missouri in Columbia, with a minor in agricultural economics. Connections he made inspired him to get involved in his community and agriculture back home.

Today, Jones serves on his local Missouri Farm Bureau Board and county Farm Service Agency committee, has been involved in young farmers groups and is a volunteer firefighter in his community. His service to others brings many lessons learned in FFA full circle.

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“Some of the biggest lessons I learned were to be involved and don’t be afraid to try new things,” he says.

He advises current FFA members to take advantage of opportunities the organization presents without shying away from hard work.

“Have a strong work ethic, always be looking for something to do,” Jones says. “Hard work pays off in the end, even if it doesn’t seem like it at that time.”

FFA can build character if you let it, he adds.

“Always treat others how you want to be treated and be honest and fair.,” Jones continues. “Those values will get you a long way in life.”

Question: Your bus comes into contact with a downed

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Second nature Brett montgomery wins national proficiency award while building skills for the future

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rett Montgomery knows veterinary science like the back of his hand. After all, the Brookfield FFA member has been observing and helping at the veterinary clinic his father and grandfather work in since he was a young child.

“Being around veterinary practices is second nature,” he explains.

“My parents tell the story of me doing surgery on our living room coffee table just like it was another day in the life of the Montgomery family.”

With veterinary science as his Supervised Agricultural Experience, Montgomery is paving his way into a bright future. He was named national winner in the veterinary science proficiency award area in October at the National FFA Convention.

“When I joined FFA, it was natural for me to have a veterinary science SAE with employment at Montgomery Veterinary Clinic as a veterinary assistant,” Montgomery says.

Working under supervision of two veterinarians three days a week and on some weekends, Montgomery assists with surgeries in addition to helping with examinations and administering medications. He also helps vaccinate and performs other livestock health related tasks on cattle, hogs, sheep, and goats.

“As I have grown older and more experienced, I have been given harder jobs, both physically and mentally,” Montgomery says. “The biggest challenge I face in working at the veterinary clinic is the vast amount of technical knowledge needed to efficiently perform many tasks.”

According to Montgomery, he’s learned how to develop relationships by listening to and watching how the veterinarians interact with their clients. The experiences have not only contributed to his development, but also have helped shape him into a wellrounded individual with characteristics that he says will stand out to future employers. continued on page 13

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the CAFNR experience

As the son and grandson of veterinarians, Brett Montgomery was no stranger to animal health practices. The FFA member went to work at a veterinary clinic for his Supervised Agricultural Experience while in high school. He was named the national winner in the veterinary science proficiency award area at this year’s National FFA Convention.

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“I have honed my ability to communicate with and meet customer needs, and I have improved my ability to make decisions and act under pressure while still maintaining focus,” Montgomery says.

“Over time, I have developed practical life skills, including goalsetting and time management. These will help me in my postsecondary education, pursuing my future career, networking, and taking on new challenges.”

While some of the experiences he encountered through his SAE have been unpaid, Montgomery says that the income generated from his veterinary science proficiency has afforded him the opportunity to expand his own cattle herd. By combining profits from his cattle herd with earnings from his vet science proficiency Montgomery has been able to put the funds to use for his college education.

“The cattle herd is a project I will continue throughout my life,” he says. “The income generated by working at the veterinary clinic and from my cattle will allow me to graduate from college with little to no debt.”

Montgomery plans to continue working at the veterinary clinic throughout college to further expand his knowledge and skillset. From goal-setting to time management, he says the experiences will help him not only further his education but also pursue his future career.

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MY sae: Diversified livestock, including Katahdin hair sheep and crossbred heifers, as well as poultry and vegetable production placement.

MY ADVICE:

—By Joann Pipkin

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Greenhand Conferences DATE Jan. 3

Jan. 4

LOCATION Jefferson City —Lincoln University, Richardson Auditorium

Columbia —MU, Natural Resources Auditorium

TIME

AREA

9 a.m.

8 5

9 a.m.

Jan. 4

Bowling Green — Bowling Green High School

4 p.m.

Jan. 4

Sedalia —Missouri State Fairgrounds, Lowell Mohler Hall

12 p.m.

Jan. 4

Jan. 4

Sedalia —Missouri State Fairgrounds, Lowell Mohler Hall

Waynesville —Waynesville Career Center

Jan. 4

Sullivan —Sullivan High School

Jan. 5

Springfield —Missouri State University, Darr Ag Center

Jan. 5

Jan. 5

Jan. 5

Kirksville —Truman State University, Baldwin Auditorium

Poplar Bluff —Three Rivers Community College, Tinnen Center

Jan. 6

Springfield —Missouri State University, Darr Ag Center

Jan. 6

Jan. 6

Jan. 6 Jan. 7

THE

IN

Trenton —North Central Missouri College, Ketcham Community Center

Springfield —Missouri State University, Darr Ag Center

Cape Girardeau —Southeast Missouri State University, University Center

St. Joseph —Missouri Western State University, College Theater

6

2 p.m.

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7

8:30 a.m.

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9 a.m.

10

8:30 a.m.

13

12 p.m.

West Plains —MSU West Plains Civic Center

Jan. 5

9 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

Springfield —Missouri State University, Darr Ag Center

4

3

9

2:30 p.m.

16

9 a.m.

12

8:30 a.m.

15

8 a.m.

12 p.m.

8:30 a.m.

2

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Missouri FFA Foundation

GROW THE

Legacy

YOUR GIFT TODAY PLANTS THE SEEDS FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERS. Give With Passion

Find Out More or Donate at: missouriffafoundation.org Contact Us at: heather@missouriffa.org Missouri FFA Foundation P.O. Box 480 Jefferson City, MO 65102

>> Invest in Missouri FFA leadership and career development programs. >> Fund direct-need grants. >> Support top-quality ag educators.

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Th

ank

FIRST NAME AND LAST WORD

WEED CONTROL.

Always read and follow all label directions, restrictions and precautions for use. Some products may not be registered for use in all states of the United States. Please contact your FMC representative for information regarding current state registrations.

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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.

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