MO FFA Today - Winter 2019 Issue

Missouri

FFA TODAY Contents A TIME WELL SPENT B president’s perspective C Greenhands gear up E Rooted in agriculture J passing on a passion M confidence builder

Upcoming

events

Dec. 1 Building Our American Communities Grant Applications Due

Time Well spent hile 40 hours make up the typical work week, some high school students dedicate that much time toward their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, in addition to school and extracurricular activities. Whether its agriscience research, equine science or pumpkin production, the time commitment necessary for developing an

award-winning SAE takes sacrifice and perseverance day after day.

SAEs are a vital function of agricultural education. These projects allow students to pursue topics that interest them through hands-on experiences.

While some students choose placement SAEs that allow them to work for established agricultural businesses, continued on pAGE H

Dec. 8 Missouri Farm Bureau Speaking Finals, Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach Dec. 8: Missouri Sheep Producers State Speaking Finals, Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach Dec. 8: TeachAg State Speaking Finals, Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach

Ashland FFA member Ethan Hilgedick was a national finalist in the vegetable production proficiency award area. His SAE includes growing six acres of pumpkins for retail sale. The young entrepreneur can harvest 600 to 700 pumpkins in about three hours.

Dec. 13: Youth Pork Ambassador Applications Due Jan. 4: Public Speaking Institute, Columbia Jan. 10-12: Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, Columbia Jan. 11 Public Speaking Institute, Springfield

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 & Steven Rogers

President’s

Perspective

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

These words by Mother Teresa remind me of the summer before my senior year when I was privileged to attend Missouri Boys State. Boys State is the gathering of nearly 1,000 young men from all across the state to come together and build a state government from the ground up. We ran for political office, managed cities, voted for mayors and listened to speakers; but most importantly we became a band of brothers. Just as boys do, we teased each other, giving one another a hard time and messing around, not thinking of one another’s lives back in our hometowns.

However, on the last night each of our small groups convened for the last time.

It is hard to describe, but our counselors started a discussion about our lives, and from that moment on our lives were changed.

We heard stories from one another about all the things the others had gone

through in their lives: medical trauma, domestic violence, abandonment and depression just to name a few. Never having experienced any of those issues myself, I was set aback. So many people have gone through so many things in their lives so unfairly, and I had not taken the time to show any genuine kindness. I had not been unkind, but I had taken my own life for granted and overlooked the chance to help them improve their situation. All it would have taken is one compliment, one kind thought or nice word to have completely changed somebody’s life. In so many experiences throughout my life I have missed situations to help others.

FFA Members, whether you were like me and missed the situation or like the others and had the rough situation, there is always hope. Hope in sharing kind words with one another. Hope in knowing that you always have a friend in the Missouri FFA, and myself. I hope you continue to learn the value of kind words and share them wherever you may go.

—By Brenden Kleiboeker

Missouri FFA President Brenden Kleiboeker and other FFA members from across the state work with Missouri Farmers Care as part of FFA Food Insecurity Day and the Drive to Feed Kids.

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

greenhands Gear UP motivational conferences set for january

Jan. 6: 9 a.m., Area 8

Lincoln University, Jefferson City

JAN. 8: 11:30 a.m., Area 2

North Central Missouri College, Trenton

JAN. 7: 8:30 a.m., Area 14

Sullivan High School, Sullivan

Jan. 8: 2:30 p.m., Area 16

Three Rivers Community College, Poplar Bluff

JAN. 7: 8:30 a.m., Area 1

Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph

Jan. 8: 12 p.m., Area 10

Missouri State University, Springfield

Jan. 7: 9 a.m., Area 7

State Fair Community College, Sedalia

Jan. 9: 8:30 a.m., Area 15

Southeast Missouri State Univ., Cape Girardeau

Jan. 7: 12 p.m., Area 6

State Fair Community College, Sedalia

Jan. 9: 9 a.m., Area 11

Missouri State University, Springfield

Jan. 7: 2 p.m., Area 13 Waynesville

JAN. 9: 9:30 a.m., Area 3

Truman State University, Kirksville

JAN. 8: 8 a.m., Area 2

North Central Missouri College, Trenton

Jan. 9: 12 p.m., Area 12

Missouri State University, Springfield

Jan. 8: 8:30 a.m., Area 13

Missouri State University, West Plains

Jan. 9: 4 p.m., Area 5

Bowling Green

Jan. 8: 9 a.m., Area 9

Missouri State University, Springfield

Jan. 11: 9 a.m., Area 4

University of Missouri, Columbia

Question: Your bus comes into contact with a downed

power line. What do you do?

Stay on the bus!

Knowledge saves lives.

Learn more at: bit.ly/BusSafetyMF

C

sara schafer Jason Smith Hometown: Jamestown, Missouri Salem, Missouri What Jason sara does: does: Sara is of Top Producer Jason iseditor the U.S. Congressman magazine, produced

by Farm for Missouri’s 8th Congressional Journal Media.

District, covering 30 counties in the southern and southeastern whatofsara learned from ffa: area the state.

Sara first learned what ag journalism was while attending what Jason learned from ffa: Missouri State FFA Convention Through FFA Jason learned in high school. that The career determination helped him combined herout love push himself ofof hisfarming comfort with writing.

Today,is not zone.that “Theofkey to success shegive shares information to up,”helpful he says. with farmers to help them be successful in their farm businesses.

D

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

Rooted in

Agriculture rom his fourth-generation Southeastern Missouri farm to directing executive policy from our nation’s capital, U.S. Congressman Jason Smith keeps his corduroy jacket close at hand.

“If you come into my office, the first thing you’ll see is my FFA jacket framed on the wall,” Smith said. “It was given to me the night I was elected into office. My friend who served on my chapter officer team helped do that.”

Smith is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 8th congressional district. His district comprises 30 counties, including around 20,000 square miles of southern and southeastern Missouri.

He also was president of the Salem FFA chapter and served as Area XIII first vice president.

According to Smith, when he got involved in FFA, it altered the course of his life in a multitude of ways.

“When I started FFA as a freshman, I was shy and quiet and couldn’t even do all

Former FFA member Jason Smith tells how he keeps agriculture at the forefront of his career as a politician.

By Alexa Hunziker

five paragraphs of the creed,” Smith said.

That might not be what you’d expect to hear from a politician, but Smith said his determination to stay involved in speaking competitions, contest teams and leadership events is what helped him continue to push himself out of his comfort zone.

“The key to success is not to give up,” Smith said. “You’re not always going to accomplish everything you set out to do the first time. Try to learn through that and work hard to change the outcome the next time.”

E

Smith said above all, FFA members should remember the three Ds: direction, determination and dedication.

Those three Ds have carried him through many opportunities, including the very experience that inspired him to become involved in politics. For his Supervised Agricultural Experience, Smith began a canine breeding program with four dogs his first year of high school.

continued ON next page

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

continued from PAGE E

“When I was a freshman, the city council summoned me to go before them because of my FFA project,” Smith said.

“They said I was running a commercial business in a residential area. I had to go before the council a couple of times, and they ultimately said I couldn’t have it.

We had to move out of town. After that, I paid attention to politics, because I felt like what happened to me was ridiculous and I didn’t want it to happen to anyone else.”

After moving to a more rural location, he eventually grew his business so much that it helped pay his way through college and gained him the title of the state winner in specialty animal production in Missouri.

“You’re not always going to accomplish everything you set out to do the first time. Try to learn through that and work hard to change the outcome the next time.”

—Jason Smith F

Smith attended the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned degrees in agricultural economics and business administration. After attending law school at Oklahoma City University, Smith returned home to purchase his grandfather’s farm.

Today, he fills his weekends doing what he says is the most relaxing thing in the world: farming.

This farm now includes registered Angus and Red Angus cattle, sheep, bison, ducks and a donkey named Hillary.

According to Smith, growing up in agriculture taught him a lot, which is why he found it important to keep the farm in the family.

“You’re taught so much through the

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

Did you know?

U.S. Congressman Jason Smith spends much of his summers traveling throughout Missouri’s 8th congressional district visiting with farmers. Smith is a past president of the salem ffa chapter.

risks you take as a farmer,” Smith said.

“You invest in animals, and they may not produce. You learn to juggle markets when prices plummet or when there’s a drought or floods.”

During the week, Smith spends his days either in Washington, D.C., or traveling to one of the 30 counties he represents. He says every day is different, whether that includes committee hearings, discussion and debate or even meeting with the president of the United States.

However, he says one of the most important things he does is advocate for the agricultural industry and those who are involved in it.

“The numbers are against us in D.C.,” Smith said. “There are fewer than 75 rural congressional districts, and you

need 218 votes to pass anything. I must constantly talk about the importance of our way of life. Four out of four people eat. Our farmers feed and clothe the world. You can’t miss an opportunity to tell about our industry. Agriculture has changed my life and is the way of life for so many of the people I represent.”

No matter where he is this week, one thing is for sure—he believes in FFA and what it does for young people.

“I think one thing many people don’t understand is that FFA is not just about farming,” Smith said. “It’s about leadership. The skills you can develop in FFA will change your life and alter the course and direction of your life forever whether you live in a big city or on a family farm.”

UNUSUAL

AG PRODUCTS SHINE IN MISSOURI’S 8th utside of the state of California, Missouri’s 8th congressional district is the most diverse agricultural district in the nation.

Here are five unusual agricultural products produced in Missouri’s 8th congressional district:

1

Cotton: According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Missouri produced 740,000 acres of cotton in 2017, most of which is grown in the 8th district.

2

Peanuts: Although Missouri is considered a minor peanutproducing state, peanut farmers in this district invest in special equipment that pulls peanut plants above the ground’s surface, flips them roots up and leaves them in the field to dry, before coming back through to harvest with a specially-made combine.

3

“The skills you can develop in FFA will change your life and alter the course and direction of your life forever whether you live in a big city or on a family farm.”

—Jason Smith

Potatoes: Lays Potato Chips contracts with farmers in Southeast Missouri to produce the potatoes used to create the snack. In fact, many FFA members spend their summers working in potato sheds doing quality control for farmers.

4

Watermelon: While Missouri accounts for only 3 percent of U.S. watermelon production, 95 percent of the watermelons in Missouri are produced in two Southeast Missouri counties, according to the USDA.

5

G

Rice: This Southeast Missouri crop involves purposefully flooding fields to optimize growth and yields, and control weeds.

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

continued FROM page A

others, like Griffin Holliday of the Centralia FFA Chapter, choose a more entrepreneurial route. Holliday was a national finalist for the Equine Science Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award.

“I own and operate Holliday Quarter Horses, located in Centralia, Missouri,” Holliday said.

As owner of Holliday Quarter Horses, his responsibilities include cleaning stalls, feeding horses, preparing mares for breeding season, assisting with breeding, working the horses, preparing the horses for sale and prepping the mares for foaling. He attributes the hard work behind these responsibilities to the growth of his SAE. “I spend roughly 80-plus hours a week working to improve my SAE,” he said.

“Whether my time is spent in the barn working on fitting horses or in the house communicating with buyers, owning Holliday Quarter Horses is consistent work.”

Ethan Hilgedick of the Ashland FFA Chapter also chose an ownership SAE. He was a national finalist for the Vegetable Production Proficiency Award.

“For my SAE project, I grow six acres of pumpkins for retail sales,” Hilgedick said. “I grow this on land that I rent from my father. I also rent the equipment from my father. I market my pumpkins to local grocery stores such as Hy-Vee, Moser’s, Schulte’s and Lucky’s in Ashland, Columbia and Jefferson City.”

What started as a three-acre patch of pumpkins has grown into the business Hilgedick operates today.

“At first I sold my produce at an auction house in Clark, Missouri, and to local people in Ashland,” he said. “In the following years, when I started growing more acres, I knew I would need more customers, so I began meeting with local grocery stores. They really like selling local produce.”

This increase in customers and production has demanded an increase in hours spent working on the pumpkin farm.

“Planting the crop only takes about one day using a four-row planter that I rent,” Hilgedick said. “Throughout the summer, I spend about four to five hours a week weeding and spraying. During

harvesting season, I spend anywhere from 10 to 18 hours a week. I can harvest 600 to 700 pumpkins in about three hours. Then I have to box and deliver the produce to the stores, which will take anywhere from four to five hours. I can do this process two to three times a week.”

Jacob Toombs, a member of the Bolivar FFA Chapter, took a different route with his SAE. Toombs was a national finalist for the Ag Science Research/Animal Systems Proficiency Award.

“For my Ag Science Research/Animal Systems SAE, I have done two research projects,” Toombs explained. “In the first research project I tested the effects of injectable trace mineral supplements on cattle. My second research project tested the effects that Banamine Transdermal Pour-On has on a calf ’s weight gain following castration.”

Toombs said the time commitment of agriscience SAEs is different than most. Time is spent setting up and

continued on next page

Jacob Toombs, a member of the Bolivar FFA Chapter, completed two beef cattle–related research projects as part of his Supervised Agricultural Experience. The project helped him become a national finalist in the proficiency area of Ag Science Research/Animal Systems.

H

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

conducting the experiment, writing reports after experiment completion and preparing presentations for the Agriscience Fair. Although obligations are inconsistent from week to week, sacrifices still have to be made to keep up with the responsibilities associated with this project.

“The largest sacrifice I have made for my SAE is sacrificing my time,” Toombs said. “In order to have a successful research project, you have to put lots of time into being detailed and thorough in every part of the project.”

In addition to the time spent on developing an award-winning SAE, each of these national finalists acknowledged there are other secrets to success.

“Never settle for what you have,” Holliday offered. “Continue to strive to improve yourself and your SAE. Always

be looking to learn new information.

Although it may not help you in that moment, a few months down the road you may have a need for that information.”

“The most important thing is to keep good records and really spend some time to keep your record book up to date,” Toombs added.

Hilgedick offers advice that all three students have applied.

“Always reinvest in your business, and don’t buy unnecessary things,” he said. “Always try to be expanding and growing, as well as learning how to make improvements within the business.”

Hilgedick plans to keep growing his business, Toombs plans to do another research project and Holliday hopes to turn his project into an equine career in the future.

It’s not uncommon for Centralia FFA member Griffin Holliday to spend more than 80 hours a week working to improve his Supervised Agricultural Experience in equine science.

—By Brandelyn Martin

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

I

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

Passing on a passion for Agriculture partnership helps connect students to agricutlure ith more than 200,000 students and their families in Missouri, Agriculture Education on the Move (AEOTM) continues to grow, helping bridge the gap between farming and the non-farming public. The program aims to increase an understanding of agriculture in third-grade classrooms across the state.

“AEOTM is a 10-week, interactive ag education program that focuses on bringing passionate educators into the classroom to share that important story of modern agriculture,” said Luella Gregory, AEOTM program director.

The interactive program is backed

by Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), a joint effort by Missouri’s agricultural

J

community to support Missouri agriculture. AEOTM teaches students about agricultural topics, such as crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition and agricultural careers throughout its lessons. It has grown to reach more than 100 schools in the state.

And one of the key components behind its growth is a partnership with Missouri FFA members.

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

BY YOUR SYDE SUPPORTING FFA

Did you know?

In addition to in-classroom programming, AEOTM provides agriculture education opportunities for youth through special events. Here, Area officers interact with State Fair goers, implementing AEOTM activities at the Missouri State Fair.

Mexico | Macon | Rocheport | Kirksville | Chillicothe | Palmyra | Moscow Mills Curryville | Tipton | Hermann | Dutzow | Salisbury | Columbia

Sydenstrickers.com

Proud Supporters of “FFA is a very important component of the program, and we are proud to partner with Missouri FFA students across the state to bring programs into their local classrooms,” Gregory said. “We have regional field educators who serve our urban areas, but it is absolutely crucial in our rural communities to have our FFA chapters to help support and bring that message.”

The partnership requires a level of responsibility on the members’ part, she added.

“FFA members take on the role a regional educator would and learn the material and bring those lessons to their own peers.”

Sending FFA members into their local classrooms has benefited both the program and the students it serves.

2020 FFA Today Ad.indd “The benefit of having local FFA students pouring back into elementary classrooms in their area is a network that those students themselves are building,” said Ashley McCarty, MFC executive director. “Elementary students get to hear about beef production, for instance. But they also get to hear about that from someone who is producing beef in their county. It’s not an abstract idea anymore; it’s very much in context.”

FFA members are also benefitting from this partnership.

“Getting to serve as an educator with AEOTM really allows an FFA student to put into practice all of the leadership skills they learn through FFA and is an opportunity for practical application of agricultural literacy that students have learned throughout their agricultural education programs,” McCarty said.

In addition to personal growth benefits, acting as an AEOTM educator allows members the chance to give back to others in their community.

“In our eyes, it gives an FFA student the opportunity to serve but also the opportunity to pass on their passion for agriculture that has drawn them to be an FFA member in the first place,” McCarty said. “Probably the aspect of AEOTM that I love the most is that it puts our FFA leaders in a position of being mentors for elementary students.”

Missouri’s FFA Program

continued ON NEXT PAGE

K

Don’t miss the Missouri Pork Expo, February 11, 2020. Visit www.mopork.com to learn about MPA activities.

1

9/27/2019 10:37:49 AM

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

• Agricultural Business • Agricultural Education • Agricultural Science • Agronomy • Animal Science • Animal Science – Pre-Vet • Horticulture

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Connecting with older students is a valuable aspect that can brighten a thirdgrader’s day and makes their experience with AEOTM even more memorable, McCarty explained.

While classroom time is the largest portion of AEOTM, other ways to participate are also available.

“Outside of the classroom setting, we do a lot of professional events,” Gregory said. “If there’s ever an activity or event

Sydnee Mason, former state FFA officer and AEOTM Educator, learned valuable leadership skills during her educator role at Marshall High School.

that an FFA chapter is doing or a student is really passionate about, we love to try to help make that happen.”

“MFC and the agricultural groups that make up MFC are exceptionally appreciative of all the partnerships we have with Missouri FFA,” McCarty added. “Getting to tap into the passion, power and energy of FFA students in AEOTM and in all the other ways we work together is such a beneficial partnership throughout all of our industry that I think only makes each segment stronger.”

Missouri FFA members can get involved with AEOTM by visiting its website, agmoves.com, or MFC’s website, mofarmerscare.com.

—By Brandelyn Martin

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.

L

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

CONFIDENCE BUILDER agriscience fair: finding solutions to common problems alking into the National Agriscience Fair, Dylan Sparks looked at the rows upon rows of project presentations and didn’t know how he would measure up. He and his partner, Bella Kidwell, are members of the Troy FFA Chapter. They agreed the National Agriscience Fair was something they will never forget.

Matt McCrory, an advisor of the Troy FFA Chapter, said the fair is broken into different segments.

“Students discover a problem, research it, develop a hypothesis and conduct the scientific experiment to test the hypothesis,” he said. “They write a research paper displaying their research, data and results. Students then make a display board portraying their research project and take part in a 10-minute interview with judges explaining their concepts, steps and analysis.”

The Agriscience Fair allows students to further explore topics in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“They get to choose from a variety of category areas based upon their interests, including Environmental Services/ Natural Resource Systems; Food Products and Processing Systems; Plant Systems; Power, Structural and Technical Systems; and Social Science,” McCrory explained.

Sparks and Kidwell decided to explore the Animal Systems area.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

It’s the Law in Missouri!

M

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

“Dylan and I did a project about artificial insemination in swine,” Kidwell said. “We looked at what type of rod would be the best to use. It was between a traditional spirette rod and an intrauterine rod. We tested on a litter of gilts and sows.”

In addition to learning about swine, Sparks said he also developed leadership skills throughout his project.

“It helped build my confidence while speaking in front of people,” he explained.

“It helped build my writing skills as well.”

Kidwell and Sparks won at the state level and went on to win the national competition in 2018. Sparks is moving onto nationals again this year. He attributes his chapter’s consistent success to teamwork and collaboration.

Sparks said he remembers an older member reaching out to help them with their project.

“He read over our essay, listened to our speech and gave us tips,” Sparks said. “We all just work together to refine everything.

It’s not just your project–it’s almost the whole chapter’s project.”

Similarly, Gabriel Simmons and Allison Harris, members of the Tuscumbia FFA Chapter, believe their chapter’s successes are due to the encouragement of others

involved.

“I am blessed enough to be in a chapter filled with people who are both passionate about what they do and encouraging to those around them,” Harris said. “The members in my chapter strive not to be perfect but instead to be the best they can be. This certainly makes an impact on every individual member of the chapter, school and community by pushing them to be the same way.”

While the students attribute most of their success to those around them, Tuscumbia Advisor Nick Parks said his students are self-motivated as well.

“What makes our chapter successful is the time our students put into the project outside of school,” he explained. “They put in countless hours both inside and outside of the classroom.”

Invasive species was Simmons’s topic of choice this year.

“I was investigating how well the public understood invasive species,” he said. “I created a survey. Section 1 consisted of questions where subjects had to identify invasive flora and fauna, and non-invasive flora and fauna. They also had to classify

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Troy FFA members Dylan Sparks and Bella Kidwell explored which artificial insemination rod was best to use for swine. The duo competed in the National Agriscience Fair.

N

MISSOURI FFA ASSOCIATION

Missouri Corn Programs offer $1,000 scholarships

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

to Missouri high school seniors and college juniors planning to study agronomy or a related field at a Missouri 2- or 4-year institution.

Applications available at mocorn.org

We’re now offering our Agriculture Buiness Certificate in two locations. www.ncmissouri.edu Allison Harris, a member of the Tuscumbia FFA, attributes much of her chapter’s success in the National Agriscience Fair to the encouragement of her classmates. Harris’s project focused on preventing corrosion of mild steel.

these species as either invasive or non-invasive. In section 2, they had to answer questions related to the problems associated with invasive species.”

Harris chose to do her project on preventing corrosion of mild steel.

“Acid media, which is used heavily in dairy industries, can cause severe damage of goods and structures,” she explained. “I used beet root, grape seed, green tea, and Moringa oleifera extracts.

These extracts were added to an acid solution, and each was tested at three different concentrations. The change in mass was calculated at the end of the experiment, and I found that each of the treatment groups was 100% effective at preventing corrosion.”

Both members competed at the National Agriscience Fair this year. While they are excited about their successes thus far, they are also appreciative of the skills they have gained.

Parks said that while the main purpose of the fair is to encourage students to search for solutions to common issues in agriculture, it also allows for many personal growth opportunities.

“While learning about the uses of acid media, I learned how much of an impact it makes in various industries, the environment and the economy,” Harris said. “However, I also learned to be persistent and work hard to accomplish my goals, no matter how difficult it may become.”

Each student agreed that the Agriscience Fair has presented them with lessons and opportunities they didn’t foresee. Whether it changed their future career path, helped them with interview skills or allowed them to explore a new area of agriculture, each student has taken away more than an award from the experience.

—By Brandelyn Martin 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, 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

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.