Governor Parson Celebrates National FFA Week in Missouri, Hosts Agriculture Careers Event for Over 200 FFA Students in State Capitol
FEBRUARY 28, 2020
Today, Governor Mike Parson joined Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Assistant Commissioner Blaine Henningsen, and Missouri FFA leadership to celebrate National FFA Week in Missouri.
“We are extremely proud Missouri is home to 348 FFA chapters representing nearly 26,000 members across the state. Whether they are farming the land, developing breakthrough technologies, or leading a company, there is no doubt these FFA students will play a major role in the future of agriculture,” Governor Parson said. “As a farmer myself, I am committed to giving them every opportunity to succeed and ensure Missouri agriculture remains strong for generations to come.”
“Celebrating with Missouri FFA members – the future of our number one industry – is always a pleasure. Their energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and I enjoy learning from them as they explore a broad range of career options in agriculture,” Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe said.
To kick off the celebrations, Governor Parson and Lieutenant Governor Kehoe drove two John Deere tractors from the Governor’s Mansion to the State Capitol in honor of the FFA tradition of students driving their tractors to school. The tractors were fueled by B20 Biodiesel and led by the Missouri FFA van, which is sponsored by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council.
Director Chinn and more than 200 FFA students from across the state welcomed the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on the Capitol’s southwest lawn.
Immediately following the tractor parade, Governor Parson presented a proclamation on behalf of Missouri FFA’s nearly 26,000 members designating February 22 – 29, 2020, as National FFA Week in Missouri. Lieutenant Governor Kehoe, Director Chinn, Assistant Commissioner Henningsen, and Missouri FFA President Brenden Kleiboeker also gave remarks during the proclamation ceremony.
Building on Governor Parson’s workforce development initiatives, FFA students also had the opportunity to discuss career paths with top leaders in Missouri agriculture. Representatives from the following sectors participated in the Careers in Agriculture event:
- Ag Business – Amanda Cooper and Jessica Kueffer from MFA, Inc.
- Ag Mechanics – Jeremy Schneider from Sydenstricker-Nobbe Partners
- Animal Systems – Dr. Bernd Eichenmueller from Boehringer Ingelheim
- Food Science – Dr. Christopher Daubert from MU-CAFNR
- Plant Systems – Connie Davis from Bayer
- Natural Resources – Kurt Boeckmann from Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to the challenges of feeding a growing population by helping its members to develop their unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways through agricultural education.
“Agriculture is in great hands with these students at the wheel,” Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn said. “FFA members are known for their leadership skills, servant hearts, and passion for agriculture. I am so proud of each of the students in the room today for showing up with energy and bringing home a new vision to their chapters.”
“FFA prepares students to succeed as farmers, biologists, veterinarians, business leaders, and more, helping Missouri students receive an education that prepares them for success both in school and in life,” Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Margie Vandeven said. “We are proud of our FFA members’ contributions to their communities, their schools, and our state.”
Click here for a list of the Missouri FFA chapters that participated in today's events. To learn more about the Missouri FFA Association, visit missouriffa.org.