Missouri
Contents A Real solutions B president’s perspective D KEEPING UP IN AGRICULTURE H blue jacket brief I Tough times NEVER last K Four Years too fast N BEHIND THE SCENES
Upcoming
events
FFA TODAY Real Solutions inding real solutions to real problems in the agricultural industry—that’s the purpose of agriscience projects in agricultural education and FFA. “Agriscience projects give students real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises,” says Lora Rapp, Rich Hill agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor. “Students use scientific
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic across the country, Missouri FFA events are continually being changed and updated. You can stay up-todate on the happenings of Missouri FFA by following us online:
principles and new technologies to solve problems related to agriculture and food.” Rich Hill FFA member Katelynn Tourtillott set out to find a solution to one of those real-world problems last fall. She started by noticing there was an issue.
continued on pAGE C
Rich Hill FFA member Katelynn Tourtillott’s mission with her agriscience project was to help alleviate lower back pain in farmers and semi-truck drivers through the use of shock-absorbing gloves.
@Missouri FFA
missouriffa.org
A
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
2019-20 State ffa officers Officer • Chapter Brenden Kleiboeker • Pierce City President Isaiah Massey • Troy 1st Vice President 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.
President’s
Perspective
issouri FFA members, I write to you this final time from HOME. Three weeks ago, I was not expecting to be at HOME, but due to the pandemic it seems that this is the only safe place right now — safe from the virus, safe from chaos, safe from nearly everything. I find this rather appropriate, as many of you may know the 2019-2020 Missouri FFA theme is HOME. When your state officer team decided on a theme, we settled on HOME because all 16 of us had found a HOME in Missouri FFA. Each and every one of us, though we came from different backgrounds, found our HOME in this organization. Each one of us had different struggles throughout life, but those struggles and challenges were put to rest through our HOME in Missouri FFA. Still, never in a million years could we have imagined how appropriate our theme would be toward the end of our year of service. By the time you receive this magazine, we all may still be quarantined to our HOME. Perhaps, the virus has been contained and the quarantine is a distant
memory. Nonetheless, we all still need to truly value home. Through stay-at-home orders and quarantines, HOME might be more daunting than ever. We might feel stuck, with no way out, in a bad situation. However, just as I have reminded you all year, HOME is not a place but what we make out of where we are placed. FFA members, though we might be stuck at HOME, let’s learn to value our HOME. Once the virus has passed, hustle and bustle will return to our lives, and we will want nothing more than to return HOME. Our HOME with our family is permanent, just like our HOME in FFA. However, someday we will grow up and leave our HOME, only coming back as a visitor from time to time. Our time at HOME is only temporary, just like our four years in FFA. So, let’s be sure we always make the most of our time at HOME. Missouri FFA, thank you for being my HOME the past five years. Signing off, Brenden Kleiboeker 2019-20 Missouri FFA President
Missouri FFA President Brenden Kleiboeker presents Missouri Governor Mike Parson with an FFA Carhartt jacket during the National FFA Week Proclamation.
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.
B
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
continued FROM PAGE F
“I come from a family of semi-truck drivers,” Tourtillott says. “My dad, grandfather, uncle and several of my cousins are truck drivers. Most of them suffer from lower back pain. I began to do research on this topic and noticed that many older farmers also suffer from back pain.” Further research turned up a proposed answer. “It has been concluded that the vibrations from the machinery cause pain,” she explains. Tourtillott decided to conduct an agriscience experiment to search for a solution that would help farmers and truck drivers like those in her family. “I began to communicate with farmers around my area and decided to conduct an experiment on using shock-absorbing gloves,” she says. “I wanted to see if the gloves could lessen the lower back pain in farmers. I asked several different production agriculture farmers to wear the gloves while they were working. They wore them every day for two weeks, then went for two weeks without them. They logged their pain each morning and night on a pain chart.” Her agriscience project took planning and preparation. Tourtillott says that after researching several different types of gloves, she moved forward with a pair that wouldn’t limit mobility so the farmers could wear them consistently. Tourtillott was pleased when she analyzed her results. “My favorite part of the project was hearing that the farmers actually got relief from the gloves,” she says. “One of the participants had back surgery a few years ago to try and help manage his pain. When he told me the gloves helped decrease the constant pain, it showed that my hard work paid off.” In addition to finding a proposed solution to help with farmers’ back pain, Tourtillott experienced personal growth along the way. “I improved my time management and planning skills during this project,” she explains. I prioritized what needed to be done first to ensure my project was
accurate and simple for the farmers to participate in.” Rapp explains that she promotes agriscience as well as the process behind the projects to her students because of the personal growth that can occur. “It teaches students scientific methods and makes them think on a deeper level,” she says. I challenge my students to think outside the box or think of something that could benefit agriculture or their SAE.”
“I believe my
results can help farmers find and use a tool to help them with their back pain.” –Katelynn Tourtillott An added benefit of these projects is the effect they can have on local agriculture. “Not all people will have the same results as the individuals used in Katelynn’s research,” Rapp says. “The farmers chosen have been experiencing back pain for a long time. Each individual has different tolerance levels for pain. But these results can give farmers an additional tool to use to help manage back pain.” Tourtillott is hoping her results impact farmers in a way that benefits their individual operations as well as the industry as a whole. “If they can use the gloves to help minimize and control their pain, they can maximize their productivity and efficiency in the fields,” she says. “I believe my results can help farmers find and use a tool to help them with their back pain. Farmers are essential to the world’s economy and food supply, so I want to help farmers do their job to their fullest potential.”
—By Brandelynn Martin Twellman
C
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Keeping up in Agriculture Ozarks technical community college agriculture program is growing, everchanging t a time when the agricultural industry is constantly growing, shifting and innovating, schools offering degrees in agriculture must do the same. The Richwood Valley Campus and Agricultural Training Center are allowing the Ozark Technical Community College’s (OTC) agriculture program to do just that. “Our program is blessed to have
the opportunity to relocate from an urban downtown campus to an 84-acre rural setting in Christian County,” says Rob Flatness, department chair and agriculture instructor. “The Richwood Valley Campus is only a few minutes south of Springfield between Ozark and Nixa on Highway 14. The campus is perfect for a diversified agriculture program in that it has open grassland perfect for pasture and turfgrass
activities, several acres of timber for forestry classes, a live spring and a creek bottom with deep rich soil for agronomy stations.” The campus is a new development in a long line of growth in OTC’s agriculture program. “For many years, our agriculture department was focused on turf and landscape management, offering a twoyear associate degree and a one-year
GROW WITH OUR AGRICULTURE PROGRAM APPLY TODAY OTC.EDU
EXCELLENT RESOURCES
SO MANY OPTIONS
A GREAT START
You’ll have a greenhouse, labs, the latest equipment and 84 sprawling acres at your fingertips.
Whether your interest is in plants, animals or both, the Agriculture Program has you covered.
Earn your associate degree, then either begin your Ag career or transfer to a four-year college.
D
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
certificate,” Flatness says. “We saw that many of our students were graduating from our program and transferring to a four-year university to obtain a bachelors’ degree in agriculture. It was at that time that we expanded our agriculture course offerings and developed an associate degree in agriculture.” Further filling the needs of its students, the program began working with university partners to develop “2 + 2” plans allowing OTC agriculture students to complete their two-year program while preparing to transfer and graduate from a university in an additional two years. More recently, the agriculture program shifted its degree offerings again to accommodate for changing needs of students and the industry. OTC previously offered an associate degree and certificate in turf and
landscape management as well as an associate degree in agriculture. Students pursuing a degree in agriculture could choose from animal science, plant science or general agriculture, but their transcript and diploma would only reference a degree in agriculture. “Beginning next semester, our students will be able to receive a degree in the specific area of their interest instead of just agriculture,” Flatness says. In response to industry needs for more trained technicians, the program also added a one-year outdoor power and powersports technician certificate program in the 2019-2020 school year. As OTC’s agricultural degree and program offerings are evolving, so are its hands-on opportunities for students. “The new
Ozark Technical Community College recently adjusted its agriculture degree program offerings to accommodate for the needs of students and the industry.
continued on NEXT PAGE
Do you know what to do if your equipment contacts a power line? Your split-second response could mean life or death. To learn this life-saving information, visit our website or listen to our Power for Your Life podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio or SoundCloud.
E
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
continued from PAGE E
facilities give students a very hands-on, real-life, practical education for a price that they cannot get elsewhere,” says Heather Eberlin, agriculture instructor and farm/lab manager. “It has really stepped up the level at which we can prepare students for their next step, whatever that may be.” These opportunities include hosting livestock on campus with modern livestock handling facilities, greenhouse experiences, equipment operation, wildlife management activities, topography, forestry and more. Eberlin runs the greenhouse on campus and says students have already experienced some added benefits of the
“This campus means experience, opportunity and growth for me.” –MacKenzie Lathem Student Ozarks Technical Community College
F
new facilities. “The new greenhouse offers students the ability to do plant labs year-round while also producing seasonal crops,” she says. “This past semester, we had a very successful first-ever OTC poinsettia crop. It is currently filled to the brim with annuals, hanging baskets and vegetables.” Today, students are enjoying the expanded opportunities the new campus provides. “Our current students are excited to be on the ground floor of development of the new facilities,” Flatness says. Even students without a background in agriculture can benefit from the
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Options
in higher
Did you know?
education
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.
development. “This campus means experience, opportunity and growth for me,” says MacKenzie Lathem, an OTC agriculture student. “I think the campus is unique because it allows us to explore our agricultural interests and it allows students who do not come from agricultural backgrounds to safely experience the industry.” The OTC ag program plans to continue its diversification and innovative growth to provide for future students as well as the future of the agricultural industry. “Just this semester we applied for and won a $10,000 grant through the college to start a Farm to Table Beef Program,” Eberlin says. “Students will be able to evaluate, purchase and care for
livestock while evaluating daily gain and eventually carcass information.” Innovative offerings like the Farm to Table Beef Program are allowing students to learn about agriculture in a way like never before. “This campus means opportunity for incoming and future students,” Lathem says. “It is a great campus to experience new things for the first time.” “Incoming students will have the advantage of facilities and labs that are fully developed and continue to expand,” Flatness adds. “We will continue to work with our advisory committee and community to offer a curriculum that is relevant to community needs.”
—By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
Students at Ozark Technical Community College get a hands-on, real-life practical education while preparing for their next step in life. OTC’s new Richwood Valley Campus in Christian County includes modern livestock handling facilities, greenhouse experiences, equipment operation, wildlife management activities, topography and forestry.
G
hile some go straight into the workforce after high school, others choose to pursue higher education. When deciding on the right program for you and your career goals, you have some options from which to choose. TRADE SCHOOL Also known as a vocational or tech schools, trade schools typically focus on job-specific areas of study. Many offer certificates or diplomas upon completion of classes teaching hands-on skills. Some trade schools also offer two-year associate degree options. COMMUNITY COLLEGE Community colleges are more likely to offer two-year associate degree programs. They provide a broader education in addition to jobspecific skill training. Students who graduate from community colleges either enter the workforce with an associate degree or transfer to a fouryear university. UNIVERSITIES While the sizes of universities vary, they are typically larger than other colleges or schools. Universities offer four-year bachelor’s degrees, and some offer graduate degrees as well. They offer a wider variety of classes and degrees, and they can either be public or private. Overall, your choice of higher education is up to you. Size, location and program offerings may determine which type of school best fits your needs, so do your research and consider your options after graduation.
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Blue Jacket Brief Kaylee Lewis
Jacob Hall
Chillicothe ffa
Marshall FFA
University of Missouri— Columbia | Biochemistry
University of Missouri—Columbia | Agricultural Education
MY ADVICE:
My hero:
No one story is better or more important than another. What separates us is the slight edge and the small steps we take each day to move forward. Any one of us has the opportunity to start a movement, but not everyone is willing to put in the work. So remember, we have the responsibility to do better, to do more. You have a story, and you are important. You can change the world one step at a time.
From a young age, I have always viewed my older sister as my hero. She had a rough childhood but never let that stop her. She was adopted at the age of 14 and began raising livestock and active in the agricultural industry. While I admire her drive, she’s my hero because of her love of people. She never meets a stranger and always treats others with the utmost respect.
FOR FREE when you use your Missouri A+ benefits
Hands-on training On campus housing Opportunities to travel, gain leadership skills and internships Degrees in Agri-Business, Livestock, Poultry, Crops, and Veterinary Technology
www.crowder.edu | 417.451.3223 H
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Tough Times Never Last
many of us are not good at. There are a few guiding principles that can help us develop this ability. “The first step in solving a problem is to recognize that it does exist,” author Zig Ziglar wrote. Acknowledging the circumstances we encounter and the personal weaknesses that got us there will help us be more adaptable to potholes down the road. The second step to adaptability is to analyze how others that were faced with a challenge overcame their situation. Understanding how they busted through their roadblocks can help us emerge victorious. The final step to adaptability is finding a mentor to guide us through this thing we call life. Having a mentor who has walked in our shoes can increase our chances of success when hitting those bumpy spots in life. The FFA Creed states, “I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny”. FFA members, the time will come when we face hours of discouragement. Know these words by Robert Schuller, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Just as our industry has adapted and persevered through every obstacle, you too can adapt. Don’t let anything keep you from your dreams.
Tough People Do Andrew Moore State Vice President
Clark County FFA
rom the Dust Bowl and Great Depression of the 1930s, to the American farm crisis of the 1980s to the unprecedented floods of 1993 and even to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, our industry has persevered one struggle at a time. Agriculturalists embody resilience and adaptability. FFA members, you too can become adaptable to whatever life throws your way. Becoming adaptable to life’s situations is something that
MFA supports you. MFA understands and appreciates your hard work in 4-H and FFA livestock projects. To celebrate it, MFA hosts the 4-H and FFA Project Premium Program. Designed to help you take livestock projects to the next level, students who use MFA products can compete in county and state Rate-of-Gain contests, as well as two carcass contests for cash prizes to be reinvested in their project. Beef, Dairy, Swine, Sheep, Bucket Calf and Goat projects qualify for participation.
For project guidelines and entry form visit
www.mfa-inc.com/Youth mfafoundation .com
facebook.com/ MFAIncorporated
twitter.com/ mfa_inc
instagram.com/ mfaincorporated
I
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Janet Adkison Hometown: Houston, Missouri What Janet does: Janet is a news anchor and reporter for RFD-TV in Nashville, Tennessee. what FFA Taught Janet: Janet says the five paragraphs in the FFA Creed taught her more than she ever could have imagined as it opened the door to her feeling comfortable as a public speaker, a skill she uses today in her career at RFD-TV.
J
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Four Years
too Fast
ollowing in the footsteps of her dad and older brother, Janet Adkison hit the ground running the moment she put on her first blue corduroy jacket. Having grown up on a beef cattle farm in Houston, Missouri, Adkison had a deeply rooted passion for agriculture she was ready to expand upon in FFA. “I tried to be involved in as much as I could in FFA,” she said. “I have to attribute that to my family because they encouraged me and also helped me to do so.” Her involvement led to many leadership roles, including serving as an officer on both the chapter and state levels. But before she could take off in the organization, Adkison was first tasked with memorizing what most greenhand members do: the FFA Creed. Those five paragraphs taught Adkison more than she could have ever anticipated. “There were two of us in my chapter who wanted to compete in the Creed,” she says. “After they brought in three judges to decide between us, nobody could decide. So, they decided to flip a coin, and I ended up losing that coin toss. That day I learned not to depend on luck for something you really want to do.” In addition to this lesson learned, the experience also opened many doors that would lead to Adkison’s future involvement in FFA and, eventually, her professional career.
Former FFA member Janet Adkison remembers lessons learned in FFA that impact her still today. By Brandelyn Martin Twellman
“Having the Creed under my belt led me to feel comfortable and opened the door for me to participate in public speaking,” she explains. “Freshman year, I participated in the Farm Bureau public speaking contest and ended up getting third at state. That really warmed me up to public speaking, and I used those skills in judging contests like livestock and dairy judging. I still call on those skills in my career now.” In addition to her speaking ability, Adkison also learned a great deal of agricultural content she calls upon today. K
“The agricultural lessons serve me well day in and day out in my career path,” she says. Starting her college career as an animal science major at Missouri State University, Adkison says it wasn’t long before she realized that path wasn’t for her. “I had organic chemistry, and organic chemistry and I were not made to be together,” she says with a laugh. “So, that
continued ON next page
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
continued from PAGE K
was a quick lesson that animal science and pre-vet were not for me. The agricultural communications program at MSU was still pretty new. It was still building up at that time, but I jumped on board and ended up graduating with my degree in ag communications.” Today, Adkison is a news anchor and reporter for RFD-TV in Nashville, Tennessee. She says her time in FFA helped guide her toward this career. “FFA led me to my career path,” Adkison says. “From participating in agricultural activities to public speaking to people I interacted with, it opened my eyes to the opportunities that were available.” She works behind the anchor desk and in the field reporting on anything relating
“You may not always be the smartest person in the room or the most eloquent speaker, but you can certainly outwork a lot of people.” –Janet Adkison
L
to agriculture or rural areas, which allows her to call upon the ag knowledge she gained in FFA. “Those outside of agriculture think it’s a pretty narrow window,” she says. “But, when you talk about rural and you talk about agriculture, the window is actually wide open. Lessons on agriculture gained from participating in livestock and dairy judging allow me to better understand those industries.” In addition to skills and agricultural content, Adkison says FFA also gave her connections in the industry. “Honestly, a lot of people I met in FFA I still know to this day,” she says. “I got my foot in the door of my first two jobs through Missouri FFA connections.”
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
writing a
resumE
Did you know?
hether you’re interested in policy, mechanics, communications or sales, you’ll have to present a resume to land your dream internship or job in the future. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Janet Adkison was first an animal science and pre-vet major in college before settling into studying agricultural communications. Today, she reports on agriculture and rural america for RFD-TV.
Thinking back on her years in FFA as a high schooler, Adkison remembers how fast the time went by. “Our tendencies are to test the waters slowly, but you only get four years to test the waters in high school,” she says. It’s amazing how fast that four years goes by.” Her advice is to jump in feet first to take advantage of every opportunity possible. “There are so many avenues you can test along the way,” Adkison says. “Don’t be afraid to test them all. It’s even so much more now than when I was in high school. FFA is so broad now that you can
truly try your hand at so many different careers along the way. I’m a little jealous of the members coming through it now.” Principles learned in FFA can also be of benefit in the future. “Take the work ethic you learn when you’re in FFA, whether it’s in serving the community or working on your own SAE project, and apply it in the future,” Adkison says. “And remember you may not always be the smartest person in the room or the most eloquent speaker, but you can certainly outwork a lot of people. Don’t be afraid to do so.”
Lessons learned on agriculture while in FFA continue to help former Missouri FFA member Janet Adkison, center, in her career as an agricultural journalist.
GRAB THEIR ATTENTION Present your name in an eyecatching way at the top of your resume. Choose a font that’s legible but still stands out, and don’t forget to include important contact information below your name. CHUNK IT Separating your resume into chunks using section headers allows the reviewer to easily skim. Bullet points also help keep the resume brief and readable. Sometimes, they’re looking for only one section of content, so directing them to the desired information gives you an advantage. BUT HOW DID YOU GROW? It might be tempting to stop after listing relevant experience on a resume, but how did you grow? The skills gained along the way tell a much better story than a list of titles and positions you’ve held. Be sure to explain what you gained after each experience. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX It’s easy to include only experiences from one job or activities from one organization on your resume, but be sure to think outside the box. What else could you showcase to present yourself as a well-rounded candidate for the job?
M
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
Behind the scenes very good production has an entire crew not always visible. They’re behind the scenes. They help with programming, provide support and work hard to ensure everything goes according to plan. The same can be said for Missouri’s Agricultural Education and FFA programs. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) agricultural education state staff work tirelessly behind the scenes to support the 27,977 students enrolled in agricultural education programs, as well as teachers
across the state. Made up of a director, five district supervisors and two administrative assistants, the Missouri ag ed team serves a unique purpose. “As state director of agricultural education, I am responsible for providing resources and technical support for all secondary and postsecondary agricultural education programs in Missouri,” Leon Busdieker says. In addition to his role as state director, Busdieker serves as state advisor of the Missouri FFA Association. Each of the five district supervisors
is tasked with helping the agricultural education teachers and stakeholders in their respective district work toward providing quality ag ed programs to students at the secondary, postsecondary and adult levels. Additionally, each supervisor has unique responsibilities. “As Missouri FFA executive secretary, my responsibilities entail providing leadership for the 17-member state officer team, coordinating the annual state convention and working with our state staff team to organize state activities,” Keith Dietzschold says. Dietzschold also serves as the northwest district supervisor. Marie Davis works as the northeast district supervisor, as well as Missouri FFA executive treasurer. She plays an important role in agricultural education curriculum in Missouri. “I serve as the curriculum ‘go-to’ person on staff and manage the Missouri Agricultural Skill and Knowledge Industry Recognized Certification program,” she says. Th
ank
Yo u
for
bei
ng
#aM
em
From the shirt on our backs to the food on our plates to the fuel in our tanks, we #ThankAFarmer every day here in Missouri!
ber
Ow
ner
MoElectricCoops.com N
!
MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION
The central district supervisor is Lisa Evans, who is also the executive secretary for the Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives organization for adults of all ages engaged or interested in the agricultural industry. Jim Spencer serves as the southwest district supervisor. He is tasked with managing the FFA building during the Missouri State Fair as well as assisting with livestock shows and other FFA events during the fair. The southeast and southcentral district supervisor is David Higgins. In addition to his duties as a district supervisor, he assists with Missouri FFA Camp. The two administrative assistants on the team —Valerie Harris and Kathy Kilmer— handle state office operations, including coordination of finances, 50/50 grants, budgets and expense accounts. While each team member plays a critical role in both agricultural education and FFA, they keep the difference between the two top of mind. “We are charged with programming in the area of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources in public schools,” Dietzschold says. “Within this
charge is the Career Technical Student Organization, the Missouri FFA Association. Missouri FFA is part of a total program in agricultural education. It is the leadership and recognition portion of the program.” FFA is only a piece of the agriculture education puzzle. “Ag Education is one of 16 career clusters that high school students have to choose from when planning for a career,” Busdieker says. “The integral nature of ag education and FFA provides ag teachers with the tools they need to develop a student’s potential for success in a career and in life.” Missouri ag ed state staff play an important role in integrating the two. It’s one each staff member considers a privilege. “As a product of one of Missouri’s ag education programs and having spent parts of four different decades teaching high school agricultural education students, I find having the opportunity to provide direction for development of the next generation of ag industry workers and leaders very rewarding,” Busdieker says.
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
AGRONOMY • AGRI-BUSINESS MANAGEMENT • ANIMAL SCIENCE • HORTICULTURE • AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
Stand Out with an Agriculture Degree From UCM! By choosing UCM, you are choosing: • One of the most affordable horticulture programs in the nation. • Our diverse faculty and local partnerships with producers, suppliers, and financial professionals. • Our engaged curriculum.
• Agricultural Business • Agricultural Education • Agricultural Science • Agronomy • Animal Science • Animal Science – Pre-Vet • Horticulture
Apply Today! ucmo.edu/apply O
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 or visit myfcsfinancial.com to learn more about the opportunities available through our youth support programs.
a More than $620,000 dollars in scholarships* awarded since 2004
a Shaping Rural Missouri grants** awarded
each year for community betterment projects
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.