Mexico

The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Mexico FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. Mexico placed 36th out of 355 chapters. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive a top chapter designation annually.

The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Chapters improve operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. This  award is sponsored by FCS Financial. The Mexico FFA advisor is Kendra Smith.

The Mexico FFA growing leaders activities included Formality Feast. Members join the Centralia FFA Chapter to learn the technical skills of eating successfully in a formal setting. All members in attendance were able to gain skills related to employability, students learned about networking and how to make proper eating decisions during employment type meals.

Building communities activities included Blue and Gold Tailgate. As more than just a typical tailgate, members were able to network with the supporters and build relationships that could lead to employment or scholarship opportunities. FFA members help set up, serve, and clean up the event.

Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included Farm Safety College. At the Missouri Cattlemen’s Safety College, FFA members had sessions on tractor operation, electricity, livestock handling, and gun safety.

Community R-VI

The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Audrain County R-VI FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. Audrain County R-VI placed sixth out of 355 chapters. The Audrain County R-VI FFA advisor is Stacy French.

The Audrain County R-VI FFA growing leaders activities included First Aid Kits. Chapter members worked with elementary students to promote the wellbeing of students and create first aid kits for each student’s backpack at school. First aid kits included items needed in case of a small emergency. The lesson and kits promote students’ physical wellbeing and help students care for themselves.

Building communities activities included Clean Community. FFA members contracted with Missouri Department of Conservation to bi-annually clean up debris and litter from a 2-mile stretch of Highway 54 near Community R-VI School. Through this project,  members see the destruction which litter can do to the environment and work to educate others.

Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included FFA Discovery Day. All prospective students enrolled in 8th grade participate in FFA Discovery Day. This event showcased the agricultural education program hosted by Audrain County R-VI FFA members and officers. Prospective members were informed of upcoming agriculture education courses; FFA events and activities; and were able to meet current FFA members and officers.

Van-Far

The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Van-Far FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. Van-Far placed 25th out of 355 chapters. The Van-Far FFA advisors are Rachael Bagnell and Ashlee Crader.

The Van-Far FFA growing leaders activities included End of the Year Experience. Members took a trip to Oklahoma to see careers in the agriculture industry different from the local agri-tourism in their area. Farm tours included agricultural products such as blueberries, mushrooms, and alpacas.

Building communities activities included Ding Dong Dish. Chapter officers partnered with the Mexico Senior Center to deliver meals to senior citizens in need. Every other week, members delivered meals from the Mexico Senior Center to recipients in Vandalia and surrounding communities.

Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included Farm Safety Day. The event at Van-Far elementary school hosted by FFA members encouraged awareness and safety with farm equipment and livestock. Members taught elementary students how to behave around livestock, safety around tractors and equipment, and how to use a hammer and drill.

The top chapters in Missouri compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced this fall at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The Missouri FFA has 26,716 members representing 356 chapters. The national organization has more than 850,000 members representing 8,995 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.