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MISSOURI FFA TODAY

Learning Agriculture off the FarmClass project transforms to successful agribusiness

Table of ContentsPAge B The President’s Position

PAge D Norman Rohrbach Retires

PAge F State Officer Q&A

PAge J In Their Words

PAge N Speak Out

PAge O FFA Calendar

Fall 2012

CONTINUED ON PAGE H

Mid-Buchanan FFA Chapter members are hands-on in their candle-making busi-ness. First a class project, the chapter now makes candles for a fundraiser. More than 600 soy-based candles were sold last year alone.

ADvISOR: Keep IT ReAL...BY STepHANIe MORGAN

The school stands in the middle of cornfields. Still with 105 active FFA members, less than

2% actually come from a farm background. Mid-Buchanan FFA Advisor Michael Stephenson, explained his philosophy for keeping all students involved, “Keep it fun, but keep it real and relevant. This is what keeps everyone involved, and this is what keeps them learning about agriculture even if they are not from a farm.”

Two years ago Stephenson instituted a class project for his bio-technology course, which involved an agriculture product. He never dreamed the project, designed to last only a few weeks, would become a thriving agri-business.

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2011-2012 State FFA OfficersArea Officer 1 Ryan Messner Stanberry

2 Samantha Gibson Norborne

3 Rhian Beldon South Shelby

4 Jaelyn Bergmann - President Paris

5 Sonja Perry - Secretary Bowling green

6 Kenneth Swope Boonville

7 Allyson Smith Crest Ridge

8 Katie Gibson Nichols Career Ctr

9 Sarah Bastin Carthage

10 Cody Stewart Ash grove

11 Courtney Spencer - 1st V.P. Aurora

12 Ashlee Jones Sparta

13 Mallary Burris Bakersfield

14 Cody Shoop Linn

15 Anna Eftink Bloomfield

16 Sam Turner Bernie

2 Brady James - Past President Knox County

Missouri FFA Today • Joann Pipkin, Editor3674 S. State Hwy N • Republic, MO 65738

email: joann.pipkin@att.netPhone: (417) 732-8552

Department of elem. & Sec. education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Phone: (573) 751-3544.

District Supervisors: Nancy Alford, Leon Busdieker, Oscar Carter, Keith

Dietzschold, Lisa Evans & Steven RogersThe 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, Office of the General Counsel, Coordinator – Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 6th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City,

MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or TTY 800-735-2966; fax number 573-522-4883; email civilrights@dese.mo.gov.

BY JAeLYN BeRGMANNSTATe FFA pReSIDeNT

THe pReSIDeNT’S pOSITIONFundraising takes involvement from everyone

Fundraising is a crucial

part of every FFA Chapter. Fundraisers are not only a way to raise money for an organization, but also a way to build community connections and friendships. Our FFA chapter hosts the “well known” annual FFA fruit sales. Along with fruit we offer homemade jams and jellies, beef sticks, cookie dough, hams, smoked turkeys and the ever-popular pizza!

Chapter members jump in and get excited to see how much each one of us can sell and who will be the top merchandiser! Some faithful supporters have even labeled me the “fruit girl”. Others keep asking, “Who am I going to buy fruit from after you graduate?” This activity is a huge success each year!

Even though fruit sales are a town favorite, our chapter decided to try our hand at a new, thrilling event this past year. We organized and hosted a community-wide “ugly sweater exchange” and donated the proceeds to our local Christmas

is Caring campaign! Christmas is Caring is a community project that provides local families with gifts, so

their children will have presents to open on Christmas morning. We decided this would be the perfect way to give back to our community for supporting our FFA chapter fundraisers and activities. Our advisors purchased a few cheap “ugly sweaters”, while the officers raided our

mom’s closets! We even created our own sweater by taking a stylish red sweater and pinning a strand of battery operated Christmas lights to it. We advertised the event with flyers in the school halls, around town, and in the local newspaper. For a few dollars you could arrange for your friend or foe to wear an “ugly sweater” for the day. We enjoyed delivering sweaters around town to the lucky models and watching the community leaders work in style. We were excited about the amount of community participation we received and I am sure this will become a yearly event with even “uglier sweaters” than we collected last year!

CONTINUED ON PAGE G

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2012-13 Missouri FFA OfficersWho’s who on this year’s team

Front Row L-RBRADy JAmeS Past President • Knox County

ALLySON SmITh V.P., 7 • Crest Ridge

CODy ShOOP V.P., Area 14 • Linn

JAeLyNN BeRgmANN President., Area 4 • Paris

SAmANThA gIBSON V.P., Area 2 • Norborne

mALLARy BuRRIS V.P., Area 13 • Bakersfield

middle Row L-RRhIAN BeLDON V.P., Area 3 • South Shelby

AShLee JONeS V.P., Area 12 • Sparta

COuRTNey SPeNCeR 1st V.P. • Aurora

SONJA PeRRy Secretary • Bowling Green

KeNNy SWOPe V.P., Area 6 • Boonville

Back Row L-RKATIe gIBSON V.P., Area 8 • Nichols Career Ctr

RyAN meSSNeR V.P., Area 1 • Stanberry

SAm TuRNeR V.P., Area 16 • Bernie

CODy STeWART V.P., Area 10 • Ash Grove

ANNA eFTINK V.P., Area 15 • Bloomfield

SARAh BASTIN V.P., Area 9 • Carthage

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“I was Lucky ...”Rohrbach retires after 37 years in agricultural education

FORMeR FFA’eRGIveS BAcK BY SAMANTHA WARNeR

The power of FFA, the influence of a great FFA advisor

and agriculture roots, lead Dr. Norman Rohrbach to a rewarding and successful 37-year career in Missouri agriculture and education systems.

Rohrbach grew up in California, Mo. where he was an active FFA member. He raised sows and crops for his SAE project, while also participating in public speaking, parliamentary procedure and agriculture contest teams. After graduating from high school he served as the Central District FFA Vice President his freshman year of college.

“I was lucky to have a great ag teacher, Mr. Robert Denker, who inspired me to do good things in agriculture education and FFA, and encouraged me to go to college and become an agriculture instructor,” Rohrbach said.

Rohrbach began his teaching career at his home FFA chapter in California, Mo. in 1973, where he taught for six years. During

his tenure at California he worked on his master’s degree in agricultural education. In 1980 he started working as the state Farm Business Management analysis coordinator at the University of Missouri-Columbia, while also earning his PhD in agricultural education.

After four years at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Rohrbach accepted a position in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a district supervisor in agricultural education. As district supervisor, he also served as the executive secretary for the Missouri Young Farmers and

Young Farm Wives Association.Rohrbach left the Department

of Education after 10 years to return to California where he served as the high school assistant principal for one year and principal for seven years. Even though he was not working directly in agricultural education, Rohrbach couldn’t stay away completely. During his tenure as principal he coordinated the state FFA Parliamentary Procedure contest and assisted with various other agricultural education projects.

When asked to pick a favorite position Rohrbach said, “I can’t

Norman Rohrbach says it was inspiration from his own FFA advisor that moved him to a career in agriculture education. He taught at California, Mo., in addition to working with the University of Missouri and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

D e e

is all social now.www.todaysfarmermagazine.com

www.facebook.com/todaysfarmer

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really pick a favorite – they were all great jobs, with each providing unique opportunities for productive and worthwhile work with people.”

With 37 years of professional experience in agriculture and education, Rohrbach has seen many changes in the field. He said the biggest change in agricultural education has been the shift in focus of high school education programs from strictly traditional production agriculture to incorporate other areas, such as horticulture, agriculture business, conservation and natural resources. Rohrbach pointed

out that as the agriculture industry has changed, so have agricultural education programs.

“When you near the end of a career in this business, you tend to reflect on how important agriculture really is in Missouri and the nation, and how unique it is to have become friends with people in all walks of agriculture across the state,” Rohrbach said. “We tend to take things that come from agriculture for granted, but the health and strength of our nation depends

CONTINUED ON PAGE G

Norman Rohrbach, seated at right above, attended one of the first Greenhand Motivational Conferences held in Missouri with a group of freshmen. Rohrbach retired this past summer after serving Missouri ag education for 37 years.

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ASHLee JONeS

State Officer Q&AWho’s that underneath the blue corduroy?

FFA Chapter: Sparta

Hometown: Pleasant Hope, Mo.

College/Major: Dual Major in Accounting/Agribusiness at Missouri State University.

SAE: Outdoor Recreation Placement

Who is your hero and why? My hero is my very first Ag

teacher, Mr. Jim Spencer, he is the one who convinced me to begin my FFA career, and he has always been there to help me with anything I needed even after I moved out of Aurora.

What are your plans for the future?

My ultimate goal is to become a CFO of an agricultural business or be prestigious in the banking industry.

What is something unique or interesting that few people know about you?

I am completely terrified of birds.

Advice to FFA Members: My advice to FFA members

is to dream big and never feel like you are not good enough to do something. If you do not have confidence in yourself, then who will? Also, follow the Lord and thank him every single day because all of your successes are blessings from Him.

State FFA Vice Pres-ident Ashlee Jones (center) challenges FFA members to “dream big”.

RYAN MeSSNeRFFA Chapter: Stanberry FFA

Hometown: Stanberry, Mo.

College/Major: Northwest Missouri State University. Major Agricultural Business, Minor Finance

SAE: Cattle backgrounding, lawn care business, popcorn, sweet corn and watermelon.

What motivated you to want to become a state FFA officer?

I wanted to help people succeed in not only FFA but also in life.

Who is my hero and Why?My grandfather is my hero

because he is an amazing man that would do anything for anyone. I admire him because no matter how bad things get he has a positive attitude and always wears a smile on his face.

What are my future plans?I plan to work in an agricultural

lending Institution, along with coming back and running the family farm.

Advice for FFA Members:Some Advice that I have for

FFA Members it to never give up. No matter how bad you think things are, always keep trying. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Also, believe in yourself. You can all do extraordinary things.

State FFA Vice Presi-dent Ryan Messner (right) plans a career in agricultural lending in addition to running the family farm.

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ROHRBACHCONTINUED FROM PAGE E

Now o�ering a bachelor’s degree in agri-business.

MISSOURI VALLEYC O L L E G EMissouri Valley

C O L L E G E

on our industry much more than most folks realize.”

Through the many changes agricultural education has been through, there have been rewards and challenges as well. Rohrbach said funding has always been a challenge, especially for adult education. He said agricultural education always finds a way to keep moving, and the challenges are always outweighed by the rewards.

“Working with the people – the students and teachers, both secondary, post-secondary and adult, the university and state staffs in agricultural education, plus all of those agriculture supporters around the state that give time and money to support our programs – that is the joy of being an ag teacher,” Rohrbach said.

Officially retired, Rohrbach plans on tackling several projects he’s avoided on his 400-acre farm, he and his wife Joyce own. He is also excited to spend more time with his grandchildren.

Rohrbach said, “I do look forward to not having an alarm clock go off every morning. I intend to wake up at the sound of quail calling and calves bawling around my house every morning.”

Participation is the biggest and most important part of fundraising. One member is unable to sell enough fruit or wear enough sweaters to support a whole chapter, but as a group a lot can

be accomplished. To be successful each chapter needs its members to participate, be motivated and be dedicated to all aspects of FFA, and through this, every member’s FFA careers will prosper. Members can and will make a BIG difference!

PRESIDENT’S POSITIONCONTINUED FROM PAGE B

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After going through a question and answer period with his class, and researching how to make several products, Stephenson’s class opted to make soy candles as it would allow full class involvement. Once the learning process was completed and several candles were made, Stephenson thought the project

would be a good opportunity to include in his agriculture sales class.

“The candle-making expanded. It was quickly decided to include my ag sales and management class, where (the students) put their talents to work by making brochures, flyers, name tags and order forms. This is how the Mason Candle Company was formed,” Stephenson said.

The first year goal was to sell 100 candles, which the chapter exceeded by selling 300 candles. This past year alone, 600 candles have been sold and the chapter has added four more fragrances to the original four. In addition to the added fragrances, the popularity of candles melted by a

hotplate is another venture Mason Candle Company exploring.

“The next step,” Stephenson said, “is selling the product to other schools and organizations where they will use it as a fundraiser, some are even as far as Iowa.”

Mid-Buchanan FFA already has a relationship with a company who sells cookie dough, candles and other products, but after this year will no longer be offering candles as a product. The FFA chapter is using this connection to pick-up customers for its business.

Stephenson said the biggest challenge will be keeping up with the demand and changing their production system along with the time the candles are made. “Currently, the idea is to run this as an agri-business thru the FFA chapter at the school and employ students to work during the summer. Since candles do not go bad, they can be mass produced for inventory,” Stephenson noted.

When making the product, the chapter strived for not only an affordable and reliable product but also one that is completely agricultural based. Stephenson explained, “The mason jars used for containers can be brought back and filled for a cheaper price.”

Each student of the chapter plays a direct role in making the candles and bringing success to the Mason Candle Company brand. To make sure everyone is motivated, an incentive program was started to keep sales high, since 100% of the profit goes to the chapter for activities and trips.

Mid-Buchanan FFA Chapter plans to take its candle-making business to the next level by of-fering it to other schools and organizations for fundraisers.

MID-BUCHANANCONT’D FROM PAGE A

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“Making sure the students use diligence, such as weighing out the product, learning not to waste any materials or if something breaks money is lost, this is all important,” Stephenson said. “The combination of all this is what helps you be a successful business, and my students have learned to understand this.”

The candle company is even used in FFA contests. The sales team is able to take what they know about the product and company and use it for competitions. Stephenson said, “The biggest thing from a selling point that the students take away is the organization of a sales presentation and then understanding the importance of product knowledge and customer satisfaction.”

FFA members at Mid-Buchanan are able to learn about agriculture even though less than 2% of them live on a farm. The chapter’s soy-based candle business keeps all members involved.

What About FFAAfter high School?

JOIN COLLegIATe FFAIf you are wondering how you

can stay involved in FFA after high school, consider joining Collegiate FFA.

Being a member of Collegiate FFA helps you get the most out of your college experience. you’ll put your leadership skills into practice through service and engagement activities on your campus and in your community.

you’ll also develop into a better leader, grow as young professional, network with top employers and industry leaders, and meet a lot of great people!

FFA BeyOND hIgh SChOOLSign up to receive the FFA

Beyond high School e-mails and newsletter!

It’ll keep you up to date on the latest post-high school scholarships, programs, service opportunities, and more.

CONTACT

email: collegiate@ffa.org

Phone: 317-802-4356

COLLegIATe FFA IN mISSOuRI

• Missouri State University• Northwest Mo. State Univ.• Southeast Mo. State Univ.• Truman State University• University of Central Missouri• University of Missouri

—Source: ffa.org

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We would love to visit with you at this year’s National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN – October 2012.Make sure to stop by the Orscheln Farm & Home booth.

For more information, visit us online www.orschelnfarmhome.com

Orscheln Farm & Home is an equal opportunity employer.

– FFA Project Discount– Scholarship Opportunities– Tuition Assistance– Career & Advancement Opportunities

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In Their Wordsup close with your missouri State FFA Officers

SONJA peRRY

I know a girl who joined FFA because she wanted to be in the

FFA choir. She didn’t know much about agriculture, but she liked to sing. She attended the state convention before she was in high school to watch her older brother receive his state degree.

It was during that convention that she heard the choir sing. So, she joined FFA. They didn’t have a SAEP project in singing, so, like her brother, she got some sheep and worked in the family’s soil testing lab. She was not terribly fond of her sheep, but she took good care of them and did well at the fair.

She was also selected to perform in the talent portion of

the state FFA convention. She met new friends and learned a lot about agriculture from her FFA friends. She started to understand how hard farmers worked to feed America. Her senior year in high school, she was selected president of her FFA chapter. At National FFA Convention she was voted to be National FFA Chorus president and sang a solo in front of 50,000 people.

After high school, she attended the University of Missouri-College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources majoring in soil science. After a few internships in Washington D.C., Senator Bond offered her a full time job as his agricultural legislative assistant. She did her senior year in college by correspondence while she worked for the Senator in Washington. She graduated from Mizzou five days after the passage of the 2007 Farm Bill.

After three more years, Senator Bond retired from the Senate and she returned to Missouri to work in the family agri-business. A few months ago, she got married—to a farmer.

She joined FFA to sing, but learned the importance of agriculture. She has advocated for farmers in Washington DC and she works for them now in Missouri. She taught me that FFA is important, not for the friends we make or the contests we win, but that it is important to promote American agriculture. She is my older sister, Meagan. She taught me the real importance of FFA.

SONJA PERRYState Secretary

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OZARKS TECHNICALCOMMUNITY

COLLEGE

Agriculture

Welding

“Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you’ll be able to

see farther”. This famous quote by Thomas Carlyle is exactly the viewpoint that FFA members should hold in everything they do both in and out of the organization. When we join FFA as Greenhands most of us have no idea what we can accomplish, the places we will go, the things we’ll do, or the difference that we can make in our homes and communities. For most, the FFA experience lasts only four years in high school. And while that may seem like a long time, it truly isn’t.

The question is, what can you accomplish in four years and how hard are you willing to try to get there? While every member has the same opportunities in the FFA, every FFA member’s experiences are different; you choose what CDE teams you want to be on and

how hard you will work to advance in competition, what activities you will participate in, and whether you want to be just a member or if you have what it takes to step up and be a leader as an officer or committee chair.

Throughout your years in the FFA you will have successes and you will have failures. While success is nice, failure is important. When we succeed it is a great feeling because we know that we worked hard to achieve our goals. However, when we fail it opens up opportunities to grow, learn and see what we need to change to be better prepared for the future. You see, “failure is simply the opportunity

cODY SHOOp

IN THEIR WORDSCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

to begin again, this time more intelligently”. FFA members, when you fail don’t let it stop you—just get back up and try again. Failing or succeeding is not about you, it is about how YOU wear the BLUE. As you go throughout high school, just remember you have to value the past and embrace the future.

SAMANTHA GIBSON

Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the

game. Since day one I knew that I was going to join FFA. My freshman year, though, I was not sure where my place in the FFA would be. I knew I

CODY SHOOPState Vice President, Area 14

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AGRICULTURE

In Their Wordsup close with your missouri State FFA Officers

wanted to accomplish great things, but one thing was holding me back —fear.

As a freshman I was doing what all Greenhands were doing—practicing the Creed. Just standing in front of my classmates to say those five paragraphs took every ounce of courage that I had. I dreaded the day I would have to present the Creed to the chapter.

After a few weeks of practice my advisor approached me. She told me that I was going to be the division one public speaker. Immediately I felt my heart hit the bottom of my stomach. As a freshman, I was scared and extremely shy; those are not exactly

CONTINUED FROM PAGE K quality characteristics of a good public speaker. I thought there was no way I could stand in front of a room of people and speak. I constantly fought with my advisor trying to get her to see my fear, but she would not back down.

Finally, area contest had come. I remember sitting in that waiting room shaking and pacing back and forth. I kept saying my speech in my head, praying that I would not mess up. Then, an advisor called my name; I was next. I took a deep breath and walked into my speaking room. I stood in front of the judges and began to speak. After the first sentence I saw smiles appear on their faces. My heart rose and I instantly knew I was in my

element. I had overcome my fear. Public speaking has become a huge passion of mine and in 2010 I won the Missouri Farm Bureau public speaking contest. I did not let the fear of striking out stop me and I hit a home run. Each of you are also capable of that home run. Keep swinging and remember the sky is the limit!

cOURTNeY SpeNceR

As I entered high school and joined FFA I was excited to

take part in the various contests FFA has to offer. As contest season quickly approached, my advisor asked me if I would participate in the Division 1 Public Speaking contest. I remember looking at him like he was crazy! I mean, I was always that shy student who only spoke up when called upon by the teacher. How could I ever stand in

SAMANTHA GIBSONState Vice President, Area 2

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417.836.5638http://ag.missouristate.edu

Life Changing OpportunitiesWelcoming High School Students

to Ag Expo Nov. 16, 2012

front of a group of people and give a speech?

Still, I am one for challenges, so I agreed. I picked a topic I could really relate to and began writing. I soon figured out that

writing the speech was the easy part; memorizing it and delivering it would be the challenge. By great surprise my first contest went over well. I got through my speech and felt like I had done the best I could. I soon learned that giving a speech was not nearly as bad as I had imagined. In fact, I rather enjoyed giving my speech!

After my speaking experiences my freshmen year, I went on to give a speech every year! As I look back on my experiences, I could not be more grateful for taking on that challenge my freshmen year. At the end of the day, it didn’t matter what place I earned.

COURTNEY SPENCERState First Vice President

What mattered most was that I came out of my shell and learned key communication skills. I also developed self-confidence and interview skills. FFA members don’t be afraid to take on a challenge. Through challenges like public speaking, you will discover who you are and develop key character traits. The thought of stepping out of your comfort zone may scare you at first, but you will be rewarded for trying something new! Remember, the final placing doesn’t matter. What matters is how you grow as a person!

DID yOu KNOW?

FFA chapters are in 18 of the 20 • largest u.S. cities including New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

The 2011 National FFA • Convention was host to 53,358 members FFA advisors and FFA supporters.

The top 5 membership states • are Texas, California, Georgia, missouri and Oklahoma.

10% of FFA members live in • urban/suburban areas.

FFA FAST FACTS

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Speak OutOpportunities abound for speaking contests this fall

MO INSTITUTe OF cOOpeRATIveShttp://www.mic.coop/

Contact:Kristi Livingston: LivingstonK@missouri.edu

MO SHeep pRODUceRShttp://www.missourisheep.com/youthprograms.htm

Contact:Leon Busdieker PO Box 157 Hawk Point, MO 63349

MO pORK ASSOcIATIONhttp://www.mopork.com/Youth_FFASpkngCntst.asp

Contact:Diane Slater Missouri Pork Association 6235 W. Cunningham Dr. Columbia, MO 65202 573 445-8375 diane@mopork.com

MO ASSOc. OF SOIL & WATeR cONSeRvATION DISTRIcTShttp://www.maswcd.net

Contact:Peggy Lemons1209 Biscayne DriveJefferson City, MO 65109573-893-7238Email: peggyl@maswcd.net

MO YOUNG FARMeRS/YOUNG FARM WIveS ASSOc.

Contact: Lisa Evans 573-751-8467 Email: lisa.evans@dese.mo.gov

MISSOURI FARM BUReAUwww.mofb.org

Contact:Eric Volmer Email: evolmer@mofb.com

(above) Kylie Dicket, former Clinton FFA member, competes during the Missouri Institute of Coopera-tives state speaking contests. (right) Bernie FFA’er Jerra Ingle gives a thumbs up during state district public speaking contests in December. So far, so good! Competition at Farm Bureau’s FFA Speaking Contest is tough, but the experience is well worth it.

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OcTOBeR4 Northeast District Grasslands Contest - TBA

4 Central District Grasslands Contest-TBA

4 Southwest District Grasslands Contest-TBA

5 Ozark Fall Farmfest Springfield

6 Northeast District Trap Shoot Macon

6-19 South Central District Postal Trap Shoot Dates

11 South Central District Grasslands Contest-TBA

16 Angeline Conservation Area Ecology Day Shannon County

18 State Grassland Evaluation Contest Columbia vicinity

24-11/4 American Royal Livestock Show Kansas City

24-27 National FFA Convention Indianapolis, Ind.

27 CAFNR Homecoming Tailgate Columbia

NOveMBeR5-7 State PAS Convention State Fair CC, Sedalia

6 South Central District Fall Speaking Contest Rolla

8 Southeast District Fall Speaking Contest Bloomfield

8 Southwest District Fall Speaking Contest MSU, Springfield

13 Northeast District Fall Speaking Contests South Shelby

14 Central District Fall Speaking Contest UCM, Grinstead, Warrensburg

14 Northwest District Fall Speaking Contests Cameron

SepTeMBeR 1 BOAC Grant Project Completion Deadline

8-15 SEMO District Fair Cape Girardeau

8 MYSSA Fall Classic Youth Trap Tourney Linn Creek

10 American Royal Entry Deadline

11 Ag Ed/FFA Day Bradford Research Ctr., Columbia

13 Ag Ed/FFA Day MU Southwest Ctr., Mount Vernon

16-22 National Farm Safety & Health Week

21 Horticulture Open House SEMO, Cape Girardeau

22 MU South Farm Showcase Columbia

28 Garmin Invitational Youth Rodeo Hale Arena, Kansas City

25-29 Delta Fair Kennett

27 Ag Ed/FFA Day Hundley-Whaley Center, Albany

28 Ag Ed/FFA Day Graves-Chapple Farm, Corning

28-30 American Royal Pro Rodeo Hale Arena, Kansas City

OcTOBeR2 Southeast District Grasslands Contest-TBA

2 9 a.m. Northest Mo. State Univ. Fall CDE’s Maryville

3 Barton Ag Research Center FFA Field Day SEMO, Cape Girardeau

4 Ag Ed/FFA Day MU Wurdack Farm, Cook Station

4 Northwest District Grasslands Contest Maysville

FFA calendarmissouri FFA is on the move

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congratulations to the 2012 FCS Financial scholarship recipients

Each year, FCS Financial honors the dedicated young men and women continuing their studies. We award up to thirty-five $1,000 scholarships to Missouri high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are current FCS Financial customers. Over the past seven years, nearly $265,000 has been provided to help our next generation with their education.

To apply for the 2013 FCS Financial Scholarship or to learn more details, visit myfcsfinancial.com. The 2013 application is due March 1, 2013.*

proud to support our agricultural future.apply for an fcs financial scholarship!

*Applicants must meet all qualifications to be eligible for a scholarship.

Colby BeislyRebecca FeltenTawnya HardyDylan MassaLee Rucker

Jaelyn BergmannJessie FowlerCaleb HeidRyan MessnerCody Schwent

Rachel BrunsMorgan GehrkeRachel NelsonPaul Stark

Erin ChristopherAshley GerlemannLevi HenryBenjamin NiendickLandon Steele

Asia DeckardSamantha GibsonCorey HudsonElizabeth PrengerLogan Wheatley

Mallory EarlyJosh GiffordRyan KorffKinsey RasorGrant Wheeler

Savannah AngellRachel EchternachtKayla GroebeTaylor MahlandtJared Renkoski