Missouri
FFA TODAY Contents A An Early Start B president’s perspective C BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL H countdown to convention K RIPPLE EFFECT N AG EDUCATION FOR ALL O How Dirty Are Your Boots?
Upcoming
events
April 23-24: Missouri FFA Convention, Columbia May 12: MU Invitational Agri-Science Fair, Columbia may 26-29: LEAD Conference for Chapter Officers
An Early S ta rt ndustry professionals share their tips for students exploring agricultural careers. From animal and plant science to sales and communication courses, agriculture students get a taste of diversity in the industry throughout their high school years. No matter which classes spark their interest and fuel their passion for agriculture, students can be confident in the opportunities available. “If you have an interest in agriculture, the industry has a place for you,” says Jessica Kueffer, recruitment and employee development manager for MFA, Inc.
“Whether you find expertise on the farm or in an office, it takes all kinds to make our industry thrive.” Kueffer says this presents the opportunity for students to find a niche in the industry. “As a student, you’re exposed to so much, so take a step back and ask yourself, ‘What do I enjoy seeing, doing or learning about most?’ ” she explains. “Then, look to higher education, whether it’s a technical school, community college or university, to build on the experience you’ve had thus far. If you enjoy what you’re learning about
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june 1-5: Missouri AgriBusiness Academy Tour junE 1-JulY 10: Missouri FFA Camp Rising Sun, Kaiser june 2-4: Public Speaking Academy, UCM, Warrensburg
Jordan Sayre took part in an internship through MFA’s Ag Experience Program. Because of diverse opportunities available in agriculture, students can use their FFA background and its network of connections and hands-on experience to explore careers in the industry.
June 5-6: Area Officer Institute, FFA Camp Rising Sun, Kaiser june 12-14: HYMAX Academy, FFA Camp Rising Sun, Kaiser june 23-25: HYPE Academy
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MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
2019-20 State ffa officers Officer • Chapter Brenden Kleiboeker • Pierce City President Isaiah Massey • Troy 1st Vice President
President’s
Perspective
Alexandra Gast • Nevada Secretary Vice Presidents Elizabeth Brooks • Ashland Kensie Darst • Aurora Jacob Hall • Marshall Jessica Janorschke • DeKalb Andrew Kientzy • Silex Jacob Knaebel • Fatima Natalie Koch • Belle Kaylee Lewis • Chillicothe Andrew Moore • Clark County Matthew Morgan • Lamar Tyler Schuster • Boonville Katherine Thompson • Columbia Alexis Wilkinson • Sikeston State Officer Mentor Quentin Carlyle • East Prairie Department of Elem. & Sec. Education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102 Phone: (573) 751-3544. District Supervisors: Leon Busdieker, Marie Davis, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins & Jim Spencer.
ach year, the Christmas season brings to mind many different traditions for different people. For my family, we go to church for the Christmas Eve service, and enjoy Oyster Stew as part of our Swedish heritage. For some of my Polish friends, it is attending Midnight Mass and indulging in Czarina (duck blood soup). All of us have our own traditions; however, the National FFA Organization brings us together for our own customs. These FFA traditions had never come to mind for me quite like they did on the way home from National FFA Convention. That same month, the first Kleiboeker to be in FFA—my Uncle Lorn Kleiboeker—and former Missouri FFA President Wayne Schnelle had passed away. After spending the week working for the better of FFA members across the country, FFA tradition was truly put into perspective.
Ninety-one years ago, 33 farm boys from 18 states gathered together in Kansas City with the goal of bettering agriculture and bettering themselves. The result was the National FFA Organization. These boys adopted articles like the FFA Motto and the FFA Creed, words we still live by today. These young men were not focused on their differences, but on their common goal of making a relevant place for themselves to grow as leaders and as agriculturalists. They wanted to leave the world better for the next generation than they had found it for themselves. FFA members, I encourage you to keep these leaders of old in your hearts and minds. The organization we love so dearly is the brainchild of those founding members. Are we doing them proud in our works, actions and service today? I certainly hope so.
—By Brenden Kleiboeker
Missouri FFA President Brenden Kleiboeker met recently with members of the Senath-Hornersville FFA Chapter.
Missouri FFA Today • Joann Pipkin, Editor 3674 S. State Hwy N • Republic, MO 65738 Email: info@missouriffa.org Phone: (417) 827-2756 The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability 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 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.
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beyond High School STUDENTS FIND PERSONAL GROWTH, CAREER SUCCESS AT STATE FAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE. FA members often cite a culture of close-knit family as a favorite part of their years in the organization. They develop feelings of trust and friendships that last with those who share in their FFA experiences. The agriculture program at State Fair Community College (SFCC) in Sedalia, Missouri, has capitalized on that same culture. “There are a number of reasons that students enjoy the program,” says Brad Driskill, agriculture program coordinator at SFCC. “Most agriculture students like the close-knit bonds that are formed in their high school agriculture programs
and participation in FFA. We provide an environment conducive to that culture.” Driskill says their agriculture program offers courses and degrees with a dual purpose: to support students seeking careers in agriculture and to support the agricultural industry seeking a trained workforce. This is accomplished by offering four Associate of Applied Science degrees, two professional certificates and an Associate of Arts degree for students wishing to transfer to a university to continue their education. At SFCC, students can pursue associate degrees in arts or in agriculture continued on pAGE d
The agriculture program at State Fair Community College helps students develop close-knit bonds similar to those developed in high school through FFA.
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with an emphasis in agribusiness, agronomy, animal science or horticulture. They also have the option of obtaining a professional certificate in agribusiness or agronomy. The location of the college helps attract students interested in the offered programs. “From our location, south we get many students who have an animal science focus, but from Sedalia, north we get students who tend to have an agronomy focus,” Driskill says. This diversity in student interest allows the agriculture program to integrate both areas into effective educational opportunities. Each degree and certificate area of the program focuses on both specific skills needed to help students in their future careers and soft skills needed across the board. “SFCC Agriculture focuses on work-based skills in the specific degree area,” Driskill says. “Students are trained in technical knowledge that will help Associate of Applied Science degree seekers enter the workforce and help Associate of Arts degree seekers prepare for transfer to a university. In addition to technical skills, we focus on leadership, citizenship and essential skills need for employability.” From calculating yield estimates in local fields to growing mums and greenhouse plants for student-operated sales, every student passing through the SFCC agriculture program becomes familiar with hands-on learning. All Associate of Applied Science
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The State Fair Community College agriculture program works to engage every student, helping them determine career goals.
I am interested in more than just cows and
learning
tractors
to be a great
leader
proud to be living to serve
a future
member of a co-op that shares my values
Electric co-ops are different. We have pride in our local community and support people who live here. Why? Because we live here too. We exist to provide the best service possible to help our community thrive. We put our Members First.
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degree-seeking students are even required to obtain an internship position for further hands-on experience. SFCC Agriculture students also receive personal growth and career exploration opportunities as they move through the program. One of these opportunities comes from participation in the Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) organization, a nationwide collegiate group that continues the leadership opportunities FFA provides. Driskill says students always enjoy the organization, as PAS offers skill set development and network opportunities in addition to its national collegiate-level competition-style learning model. Students also receive career guidance from required classes in the SFCC agriculture program. “The ag program engages each student that comes through the program to help them determine career goals,” Driskill says. “We have a sequence of classes that focus on employment, goal setting and personal skill identification. This helps us guide each student into a career path that best suits them.” From hands-on learning to personal skill growth and career exploration, SFCC Agriculture students are ready to tackle the workforce or pursue additional education in the agricultural industry upon graduation from the program. More information on the SFCC ag program can be found at https://www.sfccmo. edu/academics-programs/areas-of-study/agriculture/.
We’re now offering our Agriculture Buiness Certificate in two locations. www.ncmissouri.edu
Join a Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at the university of your choice.
—By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
Earn Your Agriculture Degree in Just Two Years Agriculture is one of the largest and most diverse industries in the world. Whether your future is in farming, or related careers like crop and seed production, fertilizer sales and application, livestock production (health and nutrition), horticulture, or agribusiness, SFCC will get you there.
• Agricultural Business • Agricultural Education • Agricultural Science • Agronomy • Animal Science • Animal Science – Pre-Vet • Horticulture
To learn more, visit
www.sfccmo.edu/agriculture
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and working on, you’ll be building a career and not just working a job.” Now more than ever, quick learners are in high demand. “Our industry is quickly becoming more technology-driven, and there is a demand for students who have the skills to quickly learn these advances,” says Colton Spencer, who is a senior at the University of Missouri-Columbia and served as a student worker for MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Career Services the past two years. In addition to soft skills such as public speaking and time management, skill requirements vary by profession. “Specific skill development is highly dependent on the sector of the industry
“Whether you find expertise on the farm or in an office, it takes all kinds to make our industry thrive.” –Jessica Kueffer
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you choose,” Kueffer says. “Certifications, on top of higher education, can really set applicants apart. In today’s top talent we see certifications achieved in every realm of business, whether it’s in agronomy, precision technology, business, finance, human resources or sales.” Kueffer notes that desired skills often go beyond what can be taught. “Top skills are often related to the company’s values,” she says. “They are personal abilities that are not taught but lived out every day. At MFA, we believe that we can teach you the technical knowledge you need to succeed, but we can’t teach you honesty, accountability or communication. No matter where you go within the industry, you’ll need these three traits.”
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
EXPLORE
Did you know?
agriculture
FORMER FFA MEMBER MATT REIDENBACH sharpened his career skills through MFA’s Ag Experience program. ffa can be useful in helping members connect with industry professionals.
While FFA is a good starting point for career exploration and personal growth, it doesn’t stop there. “As a professional in employee development, I’m a firm believer in the idea of continuous learning,” she says. “Companies will hire you for who you are and how you fit with the company culture. You’ll excel in the role because of the gifts of knowledge you offer in the position. When you continuously focus on building your skills and performing a job better than the day before, you’ll find success.” Students must be intentional about this continuous process. “The advice I’d offer here: go to the class, attend the training, ask the questions and challenge yourself to grow every single day,” Kueffer adds. This intentionality can start with seeking out opportunities in FFA. Spencer said involvement in the organization can help students explore agricultural careers and better prepare them for the workforce. “I would say general advice is to become involved in every possible event through FFA, which will help students search for careers without even realizing it,” he said. “Career Development Events and other trainings are essential components of FFA that allow students to find their passions within the industry.” Matt Arri, director of MU CAFNR Career Services, says taking advantage of professional development opportunities in high school could have a lasting impact. “While the job market is very robust, the competition for the best positions is
still very strong,” he says. “The more wellrounded an FFA member is, the higher the likelihood of them obtaining an internship while an undergraduate or landing their dream job after graduation.” FFA can also be used to build connections with industry professionals. “First, build your network,” Kueffer says. “Never be shy to talk to someone within the industry about their experience, their education or their journey. Then, build your resume and practice talking about your own experience, education and journey. Learning to tell your story will become easy.” With many diverse opportunities in agriculture, students are encouraged to use their FFA background, network of connections and hands-on experience to explore multiple careers in the industry. “We encourage students to obtain as many internships as possible to help them determine which industry and type of position they may want to have before they graduate,” Arri says. “We encourage everyone from freshmen to seniors to network with industry professionals at career fairs and through other means to learn more about career opportunities available to them.” “My take-home message for students is to be active early,” Spencer adds. “Don’t wait to take advantage of opportunities. Act now and work to improve your skill set each and every day.”
—By Brandelyn Martin Twellman Photos courtesy of MFA, Inc.
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he agricultural career landscape is ever changing, and students have more career options to choose from now than ever before. Whether interested in welding, writing, mechanics or sales, the National FFA Organization has a tool to help students navigate the possibilities and get on the right track: AgExplorer. Through a partnership between National FFA and Discovery Education, a tool to help FFA members navigate careers in agriculture was developed. The following career focus areas have been narrowed down for students to explore: Agribusiness Systems, Agricultural Education, Animal Systems, Biotechnology Systems, Environmental Service Systems, Food Products and Processing Systems, Natural Resources Systems, Plant Systems and Power, Structural and Technical Systems. Students can either learn more about each area and its careers on their own or utilize the Career Finder quiz to be matched with options that may be a good fit for their skills and interests. This resource takes the pairing a step further to suggest Supervised Agricultural Experience ideas related to their specific results. Agricultural education teachers can even bring these tools into their classroom through educator resources provided by National FFA, including lesson plans, virtual field trips and classroom activities to further career exploration in agriculture. More information on AgExplorer and Career Finder can be found at https:// agexplorer.com.
—By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
countdown To Convention Come Home to Columbia April 23-24
FA is his passion. Headlining the 92nd Missouri FFA Convention, April 23-24, in Columbia, Dr. David Frazier shares his motivation by speaking at FFA meetings, conventions, graduations and other events across the nation and the world. His passion for agriculture, education, FFA and youth leadership have given him the drive and desire to do everything in his power to help ag teachers, pre-service teachers, Dr. David Frazier FFA members
and others develop the skills needed to fulfill their dreams. An associate professor of agricutlural education in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at Tarleton State University, Frazier has been involved in agricultural education throughout his life and has inspired thousands of secondary agricultural education teachers and students across the country. Raised in the small community of Melrose, New Mexico, with his mom and three siblings, Frazier is a past president of the New Mexico State FFA Association. Simply themed “Home,” this year’s state convention also features award presentations, career development events, workshops and the ever-popular FFA Career Show. Missouri also welcomes National FFA Secretary Kourtney Lehman of Baker City, Oregon. Lehman remembers her
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MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
introduction to FFA well. It was the summer before her freshman year in high school, and she was showing livestock at the local county fair. After she competed, the local FFA advisor asked her to join FFA to be a part of the livestock judging team. “My FFA advisor made me feel not only welcomed but wanted,” Lehman says. “From that moment on, FFA became my home. It is the place where I always feel supported and valued.” A junior at Oregon State University, Lehman majors in agricultural business management with a minor in leadership. She hopes to pursue a career in agricultural law. “This year, I hope to create an environment where authenticity is the first response,” Lehman says. “Every one of us is equipped with our own talents and passions, so why waste any time trying to be anything but the best versions of ourselves?” In addition to these guest speakers, the 92nd Annual Missouri FFA Convention will feature leadership workshops for members. Kourtney Lehman
The FFA Career Show also gives students and guests insight and the chance to learn about agricultural businesses, organizations, colleges and universities and more. Additionally, Missouri FFA will recognize the State Star Farmer, State Star in Agribusiness, State Star in Agriscience and State Star in Placement as well as present more than 750 State FFA Degrees to deserving members statewide. More than 8,000 people are expected to be in Columbia at the University of Missouri Hearnes Center for the state’s largest FFA event.
–From Our Staff
MFA supports you. The Ag Experience program is a work-study program that gives college students the opportunity to spend 12 weeks in the real world of production agriculture. During their Ag Experience, students work alongside employees, getting hands-on experience in an area that matches their career objectives. Each internship experience is tailored to fit the student’s individual interests, passion and career goals.
Download a brochure and application at
www.mfa-inc.com/Youth mfafoundation .com
facebook.com/ MFAIncorporated
twitter.com/ mfa_inc
instagram.com/ mfaincorporated
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MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
sara schafer kristie bray-Larson Hometown: Jamestown, Missouri Cameron, Missouri sara does: What Kristie does: Sara is is editor of Top Producer Kristie director of education magazine, produced by Farm for the American Royal Journal Media. Association in Kansas City. what FFA sara learned from ffa: Taught Kristie: Sara first learned what Kristie appreciates how ag journalism was while attending Supervised Agricultural Missouri State FFA Convention Experience projects teach in high school. The career members the value of hard combined her love of farming work and responsibility. Those with that of writing. Today, characteristics, she says, help she sharesbecome helpful information members successful with farmers to help regardless them members of society, betheir successful their farm of future in career. businesses. J
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
RIPPLE Effect hether in Washington, D.C., or Kansas City, Missouri, the ripple effects of Kellie Bray and Kristie Bray-Larson’s time in the blue jackets are still making an impact today. Bray and Larson, twin sisters from Cameron, Missouri, said their years in FFA have greatly influenced their professional careers. Growing up on a row crop and beef cattle farm, Bray and Larson have always had a passion for agriculture. FFA allowed them to pair that passion with personal skills gained through countless experiences and opportunities throughout the organization. Larson served in leadership roles and on committees in their chapter. She also served as chapter secretary when they were seniors. Bray was the chapter president their senior year and decided to continue her leadership roles at the state and national levels. She served as Missouri State FFA Secretary and worked for the National FFA Organization as a member of the Washington Leadership Conference staff in college. While the pair moved throughout their FFA careers side-by-side, they say their best experiences came from paving their own paths and focusing on self-discovery. “Official Dress doesn’t help you distinguish yourself when you have an identical twin,” Bray says. “We already
Former FFA members Kellie Bray and Kristie Bray-Larson tell how FFA continues to impact their lives. By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
looked alike and then we had to dress alike too when we went to chapter events or competitions. That sometimes made it hard for people to learn the differences between us, but it also gave us an opportunity to really think about how we were alike and also how we were different in what skills, abilities or interests we brought. I don’t envy the people who tried to tell us apart those days. It was tough.” Learning how to embrace the title of cheerleader was another favorite experience, Larson says. K
“We looked at all of the high school sports and organizations we were involved in, and we decided to focus on what best fit each of our individual interests,” she explains. “Instead of competing against each other for offices or leadership roles, I took on leadership in our high school class and she led our FFA chapter and
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eventually ran for state office. It was much more fun to cheer for her than to compete against her all the time.” Looking back, Larson and Bray both realize their time in FFA greatly impacted their choices of study and current careers. “We would not have studied agricultural education at Mizzou had it not been for our time in FFA and the encouragement from our advisors,” Bray says. “All of the connections we made during FFA have carried on through our personal lives and professional careers.” Larson is the director of education for the American Royal Association in Kansas City, Missouri. She oversees the American Royal’s agricultural education programs— both onsite and in the classroom—as well as managing the scholarship program
“I valued being part of a national organization that is dedicated to the future of agriculture.” –Kristie Bray-Larson
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and being the museum curator. FFA knowledge has served her well as the director of education. “Learning about the history and traditions of FFA, many of which coincide with the American Royal, have impacted me in this role,” she says. Across the country, Bray is the chief of staff for CropLife America in Washington, D.C., the national trade association that represents makers, manufacturers and distributors of pesticide products for all types of agriculture. She has carried relationships made through FFA into this career. “I interact daily with people in Washington, D.C., and around the country who are former FFA members, many of whom I knew when I was an
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Did you know? Kristie Bray-Larson and Kellie Bray are former members of cameron FFA. The organization is a family tradition with their father and brother both serving in chapter leadership roles. Kellie is also a past missouri state ffa officer.
(left) Kellie Bray, a former FFA member from Cameron, works as chief of staff for CropLife America in Washington, D.C. She helped charter an FFA Alumni Chapter in the capital city.
active member,” she explains. “It creates an immediate connection with another person, and it’s fun to recount ‘old’ stories.” Bray is also a member of the group that chartered the Washington, D.C., FFA Alumni Chapter. “It’s been a lot of fun to connect with people of all ages who are FFA alumni now in Washington, D.C.,” she says. The tangible skills gained through FFA have also continually impacted them. From public speaking and organizational leadership to parliamentary procedure and proper selfpresentation learned through Official Dress, the two agree they still use these skills and lessons learned daily. Reflecting on their time in blue jackets, both Larson and Bray agree on the pride they have in the organization and everything it instilled in them. “Through the classroom work, especially in the shop, I learned I could do things I never thought I could, like welding or woodworking,” Bray says. “I remember those experiences now when I wonder whether or not I can accomplish something new or different. And it makes for interesting conversation when someone learns I can weld.” “Tradition, history, ritual and community are all words that come to mind,” Larson adds. “I have so much respect for what the blue corduroy jacket stands for. I valued being part of a national organization that is dedicated to the future of agriculture. I also truly appreciate how Supervised Agricultural Experience projects teach members about the value of hard work and responsibility. All of those characteristics will help them be successful members of society, regardless of their future career.”
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:
++ The food we eat ++ Fuel and energy
sources
++ Water supply and
quality
++ Animal and human
health
++ Managing natural
resources
++ Hospitality and
tourism
++ Business and policy
development
++ Communication
and leadership
++ Recreation and
park management
++ Genetics and
biotechnology
++ Precision
agriculture technology
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MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Ag Education for All s an organization dedicated to youth and education, the American Royal reaches students through educational programs, events and outreach activities. Director of Education Kristie Bray-Larson says American Royal partnerships with local elementary and middle schools have allowed for thousands of agricultural education impressions throughout the school year. Education programs span from elementary to post-secondary education,
Larson explains. At the elementary level, the American Royal focuses on generating awareness, and students are connected to food programs and where food comes from. Middle school education is geared toward cultivating exploration. The AgSTEM Explorer Program allows students to explore agriculture through classroom visits from American Royal and industry partners. In high schools, educational programs focus on creating connections and career preparation. At the collegiate level, the American Royal provides scholarship and engagement opportunities.
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Larson explains American Royal education programs include students of all ages from all backgrounds. FFA members can get involved in American Royal education events by attending Youth Leadership Day in February or competing in events such as the livestock show, judging contest, equine shows and rodeo, she explains. Scholarships are also available to collegiate students studying agriculture. More information on the American Royal and its educational programs can be found at http://www.americanroyal.com.
—By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
HoW Dirty Are Your Boots?
improvement. We kept Sometimes with it and attended many you have more practice CDEs. With every contest, our scores to put on got better and we felt more your rubber confident. We went to districts with one thing boots, get in mind, which was state. your hands As we patiently waited for our results, we started dirty and to second-guess ourselves put in the and our ability to judge soils. Finally, we received extra work our results and found out to accomplish we qualified for state! We went to state and rocked your task. that soils contest. After state, my teammates and I looked back through the year and realized how close we were to giving up. We realized we could have missed all of the friendships and learning experiences that we had gained. Sometimes you have to put on your rubber boots, get your hands dirty and put in the extra work to accomplish your task. You, too, will find out that with a little bit of luck and a whole lot of persistence and determination, you can and will meet all of your goals.
Matthew Morgan State Vice President
LAMAR FFA pulled on my rubber boots and grabbed my screwdriver as I headed to my first Soils Career Development Event (CDE) practice of the year. The temperature was below freezing, and it didn’t take me very long to realize that I had no clue what I was doing. My teammates and I were already thinking about quitting before the first competition was over. Our team received almost dead last that day, but we decided to make a goal to move on to state, and we were determined to reach that goal. As we studied and practiced more, we slowly saw
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Supporting the next generation.
For more than 100 years, FCS Financial has been helping farmers, ranchers and rural communities succeed. We offer a variety of programs for the youth in our communities including scholarships, grants, internships and interest-free funding. Give us a call, visit myfcsfinancial.com or stop by the office to learn more about the opportunities available through our youth support programs.
a More than half a million dollars in scholarships* awarded since 2004
a Shaping Rural Missouri grants** awarded
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Find an FCS Financial office near you:
1.800.444.3276 WWW.MYFCSFINANCIAL.COM
a Funds available for qualifying 4-H and FFA
projects in counties served by FCS Financial
a Paid summer internships available for college students
*Scholarship applicants must meet all qualifications in application to be eligible **Grant and Ag Youth Funding applicants must be a member of a 4-H club or FFA chapter located in one of the 102 Missouri counties served by FCS Financial. Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.