Missouri FFA shines on national stage

Missouri FFA once again showcased the strength and skills of its membership through impressive participation and a long list of top honors at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo, held Oct. 29-Nov. 1 in Indianapolis. Show-Me State members were among a record-
breaking 73,000-plus attendees from across the country at the event.

That strong presence was matched by strong performance. During the convention, Missouri was recognized as having the highest number of American FFA Degrees by state, with 757 recipients earning the organization’s top individual honor. Less than one-half of 1% of FFA members earn this distinction.

Six national winners from Missouri earned Agricultural Proficiency Awards:  

• Chase Hall, Clopton FFA, Agricultural 
Services (Entrepreneurship)

•    Lynn Dyer of the Higginsville FFA, 
Agricultural Education

•    Casey Vannoy, North Shelby FFA, 
Agricultural Mechanics Repair and 
Maintenance (Entrepreneurship)

•    Mitchell Herigon, Boonville FFA, Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance (Placement)

•    Madeliene Pollard, Lathrop FFA, Diversified Crop 
Production (Entrepreneurship)

•    Cordray Mathis Baker, Brookfield FFA, Landscape 
Installation

In Career Development Events, North Shelby FFA was the national winner in Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems. Team members were Kaden Hunolt, Jared Johnston, Samuel Schwanke and Quintin Wiedeman. In addition, Schwanke was the high individual in agricultural mechanics.

North Shelby continued its momentum of success as winners of the FFA Quiz Bowl. Team members were Domenic Williams, Cooper Belt, Jayli Rosendale and Kale Pollard.

Leadership and service were also celebrated on the national stage. Keith Dietzschold, national FFA board member and Missouri agricultural education director, received the VIP Citation, which recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to FFA and agricultural education on a national level for more than 20 years. 

Missouri boasted 18 other industry leaders and teachers recognized with the Honorary American FFA Degree, given to individuals who have provided exceptional service to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA. Those honorees were Janet Adkison, Tammy Bartholomew, Brett Begemann, Josh Bondy, Adam Brock, Dr. Mun Choi, Andrew Clarke, Marie Davis, Darren Farmer, Kate Lambert, Kelly Lee, Heather McKenzie, Nash McKenzie, John Osborn, Michelle Preslar, Charles Simpson, Kristy Sivils and Sara White.

Missouri chapters continued to make their mark, with 29 earning the highest 3-star rating and eight more receiving 2-star status. The Centralia FFA Chapter was named among the nation’s top 10 in the Building Communities division of the National Chapter Award Program, while Paris and Centralia both earned top-10 rankings in Strengthening Agriculture.

In other highlights, Nash McKenzie of Boonville FFA was a top-four national finalist for the prestigious American Star in Agribusiness award. West Platte FFA took home first place in the #SpeakAg Video Contest, and nine Missouri agriscience fair projects placed in the top 10 nationally.

With 27,416 members across 369 chapters, Missouri FFA continues to rank among the largest state associations, ranking 11th in the nation.

IMAGE CAPTION - These Missouri FFA members were among a record number of American Degree recipients from the Show-Me State at the recent National FFA Convention. From left are Annabelle Carlisle, Senath-
Hornersville chapter; Keith Farmer, Polo; Emma Robinson, Republic; Gentrie Davis, Marshall; Alexis Mullins, St. James; Andi Belt, North Shelby; Makaela Rojas, Linn County; and Amelia Hawkins, Ashland.

The Dec. 2024 / Jan. 2025 Today's Farmer magazine articles will be published and linked here soon.