*Missouri Governor Michael L. Parson*

Office of Communications

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

February 28, 2020

*Governor Parson Celebrates National FFA Week in Missouri, Hosts Agriculture Careers Event for Over 200 FFA Students in State Capitol *

*(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) *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 Governors 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 Capitols southwest lawn.

Immediately following the tractor parade, Governor Parson presented a proclamation on behalf of Missouri FFAs 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 Parsons 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.

Attached is a list of the Missouri FFA chapters that participated in today's events. To learn more about the Missouri FFA Association, visit missouriffa.org [ [link removed] ]. ###


* MissouriFFAChapters.pdf [ [link removed] ]
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*Contact: Kelli R. Jones*

Communications Director

Work: 573-751-0765

Mobile: 573-508-9072

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov


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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Michael L. Parson PO Box 720 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]