A MISSOURI FFA TODAY Teach Ag New program promotes ag education career Table of Contents PAGE B The President’s Post PAGE C Academy Applications Available PAGE F State Officer Q&A PAGE H Getting it Sold PAGE J Paving the Way PAGE L In Their Words PAGE O FFA Calendar Winter 2014-15 CONT’D ON PAGE D Adrian High School agriculture students work on a small engine with instructor Katie Griffith. Missouri is one of 11 states to receive additional funding through the National FFA Foundation for the Teach Ag Program. TEACHER SHORTAGE LOOMS BY ALISON BOS W ith a critical shortage of agriculture educators looming, a new program has evolved in Missouri to help promote and support the future of the industry. The Teach Ag Campaign was started by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) and was founded with the purpose of bringing attention to agriculture education by getting students to think about pursuing a career in the field and supporting current agriculture education teachers. After submitting an application that outlined plans for the program, Missouri was selected this year as one of 11 initial State Teach Ag Results (STAR) states, which provides opportunities for additional funding through the National FFA Foundation. Plus, the program will receive assistance from NAAE through research and advice. Newly retired agriculture instructor Pam Rowland was asked by Missouri Director of Agriculture Education Leon Busdieker to serve as the STAR coordinator. She is working alongside representatives from each of the agriculture education training institutions in the state to fulfill the purpose of the Teach Ag Program. NAAE has set up recommendations for these representatives including professors, current agriculture education teachers, state staff and agriculture education students.
Transcript
A
MISSOURI FFA TODAY
Teach AgNew program promotes ag education career
Table of ContentsPAGE B The President’s Post
PAGE CAcademy Applications Available
PAGE FState Officer Q&A
PAGE H Getting it Sold
PAGE JPaving the Way
PAGE LIn Their Words
PAGE OFFA Calendar
Winter 2014-15
CONT’D ON PAGE D
Adrian High School agriculture students work on a small engine with instructor Katie Griffith. Missouri is one of 11 states to receive additional funding through the National FFA Foundation for the Teach Ag Program.
TEACHER SHORTAGE LOOMSBY ALISON BOS
With a critical shortage of agriculture educators looming, a new program has evolved in
Missouri to help promote and support the future of the industry.
The Teach Ag Campaign was started by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE) and was founded with the purpose of bringing attention to agriculture education by getting students to think about pursuing a career in the field and supporting current agriculture education teachers.
After submitting an application that outlined plans for the program, Missouri was selected this year as one of 11 initial State Teach Ag Results (STAR) states, which provides opportunities for additional funding through the National FFA Foundation. Plus, the program will receive assistance from NAAE through research and advice.
Newly retired agriculture instructor Pam Rowland was asked by Missouri Director of Agriculture Education Leon Busdieker to serve as the STAR coordinator. She is working alongside representatives from each of the agriculture education training institutions in the state to fulfill the purpose of the Teach Ag Program. NAAE has set up recommendations for these representatives including professors, current agriculture education teachers, state staff and agriculture education students.
B
2014-15 State FFA OfficersArea Officer 1 Morgan Walkup East Buchanan
2 Brandon Bothwell Chillicothe
3 Brock Larson Newtown-Harris
4 Cole Edwards—President Salisbury
5 Samantha Marre Elsberry
6 Nora Faris—Secretary Concordia
7 Kelsey Elbel Holden
8 Libby Martin—1st V.P. California
9 Claire Silvers El Dorado Springs
10 Ally Hultgren Willard
11 Yia Yang Wheaton
12 Shaylee Wallace Branson
13 Jaret Holden Summersville
14 Paul Shanks Belle
15 Jack Davis Farmington
16 Carson Priddle Doniphan
6 Abrea Mizer - Past Pres. Marshall
Missouri FFA Today • Joann Pipkin, Editor3674 S. State Hwy N • Republic, MO 65738
Department of Elem. & Sec. Education P.O. Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-3544.
District Supervisors: Leon Busdieker, Keith Dietzschold, Lisa Evans, David Higgins &
Steven Rogers
The 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;
THE PRESIDENT’S POSTDo you need to recalculate your GPS?
As this past summer drew to a close, I began to look forward
to the fall semester—falling into life at Mizzou, cheering on the Tigers at home football games and “earning my stripes” at the university. I had been waiting for move-in day for what seemed like forever, but finally, the day arrived. I made the trip from Salisbury to Columbia, moved into my new home, made some friends, and was ready for classes to start. But then, at what seemed like the worst possible time, I encountered a major roadblock in my plans.
The day before classes started, I made an unexpected trip to the emergency room. There, I found out I had appendicitis and would have to undergo surgery. My first thought was, “Really? I just got here! I’m going to miss all of the freshman traditions and class tomorrow!” It is funny how an otherwise useless body part could put such a damper on the commencement of my collegiate career.
Luckily, I only missed three days of classes and I didn’t miss many assignments or important lectures. Even so, I was behind and needed to catch up. I emailed my professors
explaining my absence and met with them when I returned. With a little bit of hard work and determination, I was able to catch up to the rest of the class within a few days.
Roadblocks preventing you from driving down the road to success can be more than in the shape of a medical emergency. For example, you may find out there is a detour on a route you are taking. Several years ago, my family and I were traveling to Illinois to visit my grandparents, and our normal route was closed. The part of the state we were traveling through was not very familiar to us and the detour signs weren’t clear. Today, I could have pulled out my phone and instantly gotten directions. But, that wasn’t possible then.
Instead of asking Siri to steer us in the right direction, we had to use an old-fashioned road map. It took a while longer than using an iPhone, but we did find our way back to the main road eventually.
Throughout your life, you will be faced with many roadblocks, and you may have to take a detour that is not clearly marked. To overcome these challenges, you’ll need hard work and determination, and a sense of direction guided by your own principles. With these traits, anything is possible. Don’t let appendicitis or a closed road stop you from continuing your journey. Take a moment to “recalculate your GPS” or “consult your roadmap” and find your way to success.
PRESIDENT’S POSTFROM PREVIOUS PAGE MISSOURI AGRIBUSINESS ACADEMY
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Are you interested in becoming a future leader in agriculture and your community? The Missouri Agribusiness Academy is for you!
Each year, the Missouri Department of Agriculture gives 30 high school students from throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the Missouri Agribusiness Academy – a competitive membership for sophomores interested in pursu-ing agriculture-related college degrees and careers. MAbA is a youth leadership program focused on career exploration in the fields of agribusiness, government and production agriculture.
In 2015, thirty students will be selected to participate in MAbA through a competitive written application and oral interview process. Academy members will tour agribusinesses and meet agricultural leaders in the St. Louis area June 1-5, 2015.
Applications are available online at www.mda.mo.gov and are due by Feb. 1, 2015.
SCAN MEGet the latest on what’s happening with Missouri FFA!
National FFA WeekFebruary 21-28, 2015
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Missouri FFA members engage in a Teach Ag workshop during the annual Missouri State FFA Convention. Plans are to expand the workshop with greater participant follow-up.
Why is the Teach Ag Program important? According to Rowland, reports indicate Missouri is facing a critical shortage of agriculture education instructors. In fact, there is a nationwide shortage of teachers due to a lack of students pursuing careers in agriculture education. There are some states that have had to eliminate programs because teachers could not be found.
“We do not want this to happen in Missouri,” Rowland said.
There have been large numbers of openings in the state these past few years, and currently not enough students are coming
through university agriculture education programs to fill demand if this trend continues.
“We must do all we can to keep agriculture education in Missouri strong,” Rowland said. “It begins with recruiting students to be agriculture teachers and keeping current teachers in the profession.”
Alumni are also encouraged to help their local agriculture education instructors by volunteering to assist in any way possible, whether it is with resources or even their time.
“We know that FFA and
agriculture education provides outstanding opportunities for students,” Rowland stated. “We do not want anyone to miss out on those opportunities.”
Current advisors throughout the state are advised to encourage their college-bound students to look into the agriculture education career path. Rowland explained that agriculture education is a wonderful profession that positively influences the lives of students and that it is up to advisors to relay this message.
“Teachers know their students and they know which ones would make great agriculture teachers. It is important that they tell them the positives of a career in agricultural education,” said Rowland.
The Missouri Teach Ag Program has plans to expand the Teach
Rewarding.
Always Exciting.
#TeachAg.
TEACHING AG
is MORE than just a career...It’s a way of life.
To learn more visit www.naae.org/teachag
Read about a day in the life of an ag teacher here!
TEACH
Teach AgContinued from Page A
E E
Ag Workshop at the Missouri State FFA Convention in April, making it a priority to follow up with students who attend. In addition, the program hopes to award scholarships to university agriculture education students while they are student teaching and conduct workshops with current teachers to assist them in balancing the demands of their career and life. The program also intends to add a Teach Ag page on the Missouri FFA website and encourage universities that offer agriculture education to select their own Teach Ag Ambassadors to help recruit students.
“How much we will be able to accomplish will in part depend on funding,” Rowland said. “We also realize that current university agriculture education students face many challenges in the certification process, so we are looking at that issue as well.”
Bottom line, Rowland says, well-trained, certified teachers will be needed in order to expand FFA and agriculture education in Missouri. Teach Ag strives to
encourage the best students to choose agriculture education and help current teachers handle the demand their jobs entail.
Logan-Rogersville agriculture edu-cation instructor Casteel Kirk works with students to drive their interest in the industry. Kirk is in her second year of teaching.
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State Officer Q&AWho’s that underneath the blue corduroy?
BROCK LARSONFFA Chapter: Newtown-Harris
Hometown: Newtown, Mo.
College Major: Agriculture Education
SAE: I work at Princeton Custom Meat Processing as a meat cutter.
What motivated you to become a state officer?
When I attended the Missouri FFA Public Speaking Academy my freshman year, I got to know the state officers that also attended. They helped me succeed in FFA and inspired me to do my best. I saw how much of an impact they had on my life and my FFA career,
and I want to do the same as a state officer for other FFA members.
Who is your hero and why?My hero is my father. My dad
is Ron Larson, and he has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. He has taught me how to hunt and fish, how to drive a car, and so many more things. My
dad has been a great role model to me, and he has had a tremendous impact on my life.
What are your plans for the future?
I am a freshman at North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Mo. After two years there, I plan to transfer to Northwest Missouri State University for two more years and receive a degree in agriculture education. After graduating college, I hope to become an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.
What is something unique or interesting that few people know about you?
I actually have red-green color-blindness. Not a lot of people know this about me. It is super hard to explain what colors I can and cannot see, but sometimes I can somewhat explain it. Being color-blind doesn’t usually give me any grief, but I have to ask what color things are a lot.
Advice to FFA members:My advice is to be the best
you can be and have fun! FFA has helped me unearth talents that I didn’t know I had. I think that if you have a talent, you should use it to your fullest potential, and be the best person that you can be. Always try to maintain a positive attitude and look on the bright side of things.
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FFA Chapter: Wheaton
Hometown: Wheaton, Mo.
College/Major: University of Missouri/Plant Science Breeding, Biology, Biotechnology
SAE: My SAE consists of working on my family’s poultry farm. I also raise and sell hogs.
What motivated you to want to become a Missouri FFA Officer?
My passion for this organization is what really motivated me to become a Missouri FFA Officer. I love being around FFA members and helping and watching them grow. I have five siblings—three older sisters, one older brother and one younger brother. My older siblings were very successful in FFA, and one of my goals was to exceed their achievements by becoming a Missouri state FFA officer. With the support of my family, I was able to reach that goal.
Who is your hero and why?My hero has to be my dad.
Without my dad, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to be here today. He started from the bottom as a refugee in America and worked his way up to become a successful farmer. My dad is a student of knowledge, and he graduated from college with an associate degree before he decided to move to the farm. He taught me that hard work and knowledge lead you to a successful life.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to attend the University of Missouri and graduate with my masters in biotechnology. I plan to be a plant researcher. One of my goals in life is to help develop plants that will be easier to grow to help lower world hunger.
What is something unique or interesting that few people know about you?
I am a first generation American and my parents are war refugees. I used to live in a mid-size city called Sheboygan in Wisconsin. I moved to Wheaton, a small, southwest Missouri town where we live on a poultry farm.
Advice for FFA members: You have to make the most of
FFA camp if you want to have fun. Only you can make yourself have fun and make new friends and new memories, so come out of your shell and just have fun. One thing that I have learned from FFA is that you will never learn anything or achieve anything if you don’t have fun doing it.
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Getting it SoldAg Sales CDE develops life-long skills
SALES SKILLS VITALBY ALISON BOS
The Agricultural Sales Career Development Event teaches
FFA members communication, listening and networking skills that can be incorporated into future careers and further business development.
According to the National FFA Organization, in the Ag Sales CDE, students demonstrate and learn skills in customer relations, advertising, promotion and merchandising. With so many career opportunities focusing on sales, these skills are beneficial.
The Ag Sales CDE is broken into three parts: a written test, a sales presentation and a customer relations activity. Students are required to take several steps in preparing to sell a product, develop sales skills, utilize knowledge of advertising and promotion in the sales process and demonstrate the ability to conduct additional sales skills dealing with customer relations.
Scott Stone, Centralia FFA advisor, says the agriculture industry benefits by having individuals with sales and communication skills.
“The purpose of the Ag Sales CDE is to provide students with an opportunity to learn and apply the
basic skills necessary for career opportunities in the sales field,” said Stone, whose 2010 team won the Missouri state contest. “Sales are an essential part of a market economy.”
In addition to teaching participants valuable skills, the Ag Sales CDE also allows students networking opportunities with future employers. According to Doyle Justus, Troy FFA advisor, this CDE can lead students to careers. Troy FFA is home to two national championship sales teams and seven state winning teams. Justus said he even had one student make connections with a representative from Monsanto while at a contest, which eventually led to that student being a district sales manager for the company.
Trenton FFA Chapter also has a rich history in being successful in the Ag Sales CDE having several top 10 state finishes and group one ratings. Brook Kreatz, Trenton FFA advisor, said Ag Sales helps students step out of their comfort zones and grow as young men and women.
“The Ag Sales CDE prepares students to be business-minded, problem solvers and caring in an ever-changing world of agriculture,” said Kreatz.
However, Kreatz said, the most rewarding aspect of the Ag Sales CDE is being told by a student they are using the sales skills they learned in class and on the contest team in their jobs.
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The impact the Ag Sales CDE has made on FFA members is also prevalent as it teaches students lessons and skills that they utilize in their daily lives. Centralia FFA alumni and Ag Sales CDE participant Savannah Angell enjoyed the Sales CDE because it allowed for personal expression and was a great opportunity to improve everyday skills such as eye contact, voice clarity and a firm handshake.
“The Sales CDE made me much more confident during one-on-one conversations,” Angell said. “Talking to an individual and focusing on (his or her) needs and
concerns is a skill that gets much easier with practice.”
FFA members who have previously participated on an Ag Sales team highly recommend other students to take part in this CDE. Former Trenton FFA members Michael Slater, Alex Anderson and Shelby Chaney all agree that the skills learned from participating in the Ag Sales CDE will be used in future life situations.
“No matter what career field you are working towards, you will need to be able to sell the product, your service, or even just your ideas at some point in time,” Chaney said.
Whether it is the challenge, the practical application or the excitement of selling a product, FFA members are bound to enjoy participating on an Ag Sales CDE team. Since sales are a big element of many careers and other life endeavors, it is recommended that FFA members take the opportunity to participate.
“I feel that the Ag Sales CDE is one of the most practical and useful career development events that a student can participate in,” Stone said.
J
National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve Brown began his agriculture education career in Missouri. Engaging in FFA, he says, helps build student confidence in making in-telligent career choices.
Paving the WayFFA Leads to Successful, Rewarding Careers
FFA provides opportunity for students to gain valuable
skills that will lead to success in their future careers. Whether in production agriculture, science and technology or business, FFA lays a prominent career development foundation for students.
To prove how FFA leads to successful careers, Missouri FFA Today caught up with some top-level agriculture professionals. These include Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce, Missouri FFA Advisor Leon Busdieker and National FFA Advisor and Board Chair Steve Brown.
Fordyce, Busdieker and Brown all agree that FFA instills skills that will greatly benefit members in their future career endeavors. Leadership,
communication, teamwork and professional attitude development were among skills mentioned that attribute to future career success.
Missouri FFA: How does FFA lead students to successful careers?
Fordyce: “I think no matter what career path students are going to take, leadership development is critical. I do not know of any other organization involving young people that does as good of a job with leadership development as the FFA. Leadership development, to me, is the foundation of FFA.
Since I have been director, I have had a number of opportunities to work with young people who have an FFA background, and I am continually impressed by their public speaking skills and their ability to engage in meaningful conversation. To some degree (with modern technology), we are losing our ability to converse. Being able to look someone in the
eye and have a conversation is pretty important, and it is going to be important moving forward. FFA members have confidence and are comfortable in their skin. Overall, they do really well at communicating and talking about specific topics and being very well versed on those topics.”
Busdieker: “Today’s students must possess three types of skills in order to build successful careers: academic skills, technical skills and workplace skills. Agriculture education classes enhance students’ development of academic skills by teaching application of those skills in an agricultural context. Technical skills are developed through hands-on learning both in and outside of the classroom or lab through the individual student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience program.
In every agriculture education classroom, FFA members are learning how to become better communicators, problem solvers, etc. Beyond the classroom, FFA members are provided with the opportunity to participate in the types of activities that help students to develop many of the workplace skills that individuals need to be successful.”
LEADERS SPEAK UPBY ALISON BOS
K
Brown: “FFA leads students to successful careers by providing opportunities for students to be engaged in exploring and experiencing the many careers in agriculture and by increasing their awareness of the global nature and technological importance of agriculture. Engagement in FFA activities helps build student confidence in making intelligent career choices.
In addition, FFA helps students to develop interpersonal skills in teamwork, communications, human relations and appropriate social interaction. The programs within FFA help students to learn how to think, solve problems, make decisions and be a team player – which contributes to their future employability.”
Missouri FFA: Why would you recommend students in Missouri
join FFA as they prepare for a career in agriculture?
Fordyce: “In Missouri, agriculture is the number one industry. You want to be involved in the number one industry, and FFA is a good place to start. Agriculture is the start of all careers – food, fiber and fuel. With additional STEM emphasis, FFA can instill a passion and work ethic for any career.”
Academic, technical and workplace skills are vital for today’s agriculture students according to Leon Busdieker (center), director of Missouri agriculture education programs.
Busdieker: “There is no better opportunity for students when it comes to agricultural career awareness and preparation than today’s agricultural programs. Applied academics, experiential learning and workplace skill development are sure to help all students prepare for their career choice.”
Brown: “FFA is based upon making a positive difference on students and in their community. FFA helps instill the skills needed to be employable regardless of career pursuit and choices. Most employers communicate that FFA involvement provides a positive experience that influences the selection process because of the opportunities FFA provides.”
Missouri Director of Agriculture Richard Fordyce says leadership development, critical for today’s young people, is the foundation of FFA.
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In Their WordsUp close with your Missouri State FFA Officers
NORA FARIS
“Shut your eyes and listen closely. What do you hear?” Following the
tour guide’s instructions, I strained my ears to catch the faintest noise. The distant trickle of running water was the only detectable sound amidst the deep quiet of the cavern. Interrupting the silence, the tour guide asked, “Do you hear tractor-trailers, cars, motorcycles, and construction crews? Because right now, we’re standing several hundred feet below I-70.”
Aboveground, motorists en route from Georgetown to Silver Plume, Colorado sped along—most of them never realizing they were driving over one of America’s great historic silver mines. As for yours
truly, I was sandwiched between a rock and a hard place, literally—navigating a narrow tunnel through the dim depths of a Colorado mountain mine.
As I delved deeper into the mine, the tour guide—a former miner and an avid historian—illustrated the struggles of the 19th-century laborers who carved out the
Missouri’s FFA program!
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cavern. The miners and prospectors of the Lebanon Silver Mine faced inexplicable challenges as they sought the “silver linings” in the rock. However, through teamwork and dedication, the miners managed to excavate hundreds of cubic feet of stone by candlelight, using the simplest of tools—an iron rock chisel, a sledge hammer, and dynamite. Their efforts were rewarded with valuable silver ore, and the mine tunnels they bored through the belly of the mountain remain today as a testament to their ingenuity and initiative.
We all stand on a silver mine of luminous leadership and shining success. In order to access the rich opportunities our organization offers, we must work together and
KELSEY ELBELState Vice President, Area 7For my Supervised Agricultural
Experience program, I work at Lee’s Summit Animal Hospital with Dr. Robert Hertzog. My duties are similar to those found in any other animal hospital, however I have the opportunity to work at one of the only clinics in the Midwest that examines exotic animals. On any given day, we will treat treat dogs, cats, horses and elephant.
The first time I assisted with a monkey, I was hesitant. I knew that
make dynamite discoveries with explosive enthusiasm. Members exemplify the “blue-and-gold standard” of service and leadership, and together, we can promote a rock-solid future for our organization and the agriculture industry.
monkeys could be dangerous and are exceptionally smart. I have actually seen a monkey grab a loaded syringe from a veterinarian. That day, I was content locating instruments and vaccine for Dr. Hertzog. Soon, however, a young primate was thrust into my arms. This was exactly what I had tried to avoid. I was scared of monkeys. Needless to say, after I quieted my fear, I was able to
appreciate the opportunity. Although I could not see it at the
time, Dr. Hertzog knew exactly what I needed. He forced me to step outside my comfort zone. The first two years of my FFA career, I had a fear of failure. I avoided taking part in activities and competitive events because I thought I would be unsuccessful. I soon realized I was missing out on not only the fun FFA offers, but also the learning opportunities. As I became more involved in FFA, I found that I was actually a skilled public speaker. When I stepped outside my comfort zone, I discovered abilities that were previously hidden. We have the power to influence our personal growth, leadership skills and career success. Step outside your comfort zone, and you will “Show-Me Opportunity, Discover Success.”
FEBRUARY1 National FFA Scholarship Applications DUE
1 Missouri Agribusiness Academy Apps. DUE
1 Missouri State Fair Youth in Ag Scholarship Apps. DUE
7 Mo. YF/YFW State FFA Speaking Contest Columbia
9-10 Missouri Pork Association Pork Expo Columbia
10 Missouri Pork Assoc. State Speaking Finals Columbia
20-22 Western Farm Show—Kansas City
21-28 National FFA Week
MARCH23 Northeast District FFA LDE’s/Ag Sales CDE Monroe City
24 Northwest District FFA LDE’s—Cameron
24 Southeast District Horse Judging CDE Advance
26 Southeast District Ag CDE’s SEMO, Cape Girardeau
28 Southeast District Ag CDE’s & FFA LDE’s CTCC, Cape Girardeau
28 Southwest District FFA LDE’s—TBA
30-31 Southwest District Ag CDE’s —MSU, Spfd.
31 Central District Ag CDE’s—UCM, Warrensburg
31 South Central FFA LDE’s—Rolla
31-4/1 Northwest District Ag CDE’s NWMSU, Maryville
DECEMBER1 University of Missouri Incoming Freshman Scholarships Apps. DUE
1 BOAC Grant Applications DUE
5-6 Missouri Livestock Symposium—Kirksville
7 Missouri Farm Bureau FFA Speaking Finals Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach
7 Missouri Sheep Producers State Speaking Finals—Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach
7-9 Missouri Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach
18-20 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Ag Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach
15 Youth Pork Ambassador Applications DUE
JANUARYGREENHAND MOTIVATIONAL CONFERENCESArea 1 9:00 a.m., Jan. 9—MWSU, St. Joseph
Area 2 8:00 a.m., Jan. 8—NCMC, Trenton
Area 2 12:00 p.m., Jan. 8—NCMC, Trenton
Area 3 10:00 a.m., Jan. 7—TSU, Kirksville
Area 4 9:00 a.m., Jan. 6—MU, Columbia
Area 5 4:00 p.m., Jan. 6—Bowling Green
Area 6 9:00 a.m., Jan. 6—UCM, Warrensburg
Area 7 12:00 p.m., Jan. 6—UCM, Warrensburg
Area 8 8:30 a.m., Jan. 6—LU, Jefferson City
Area 9 12:00 p.m., Jan. 7—MSU, Springfield
Area 10 9:00 a.m., Jan. 7—MSU, Springfield
Area 11 12:00 p.m., Jan. 8—MSU, Springfield
Area 12 9:00 a.m., Jan. 8—MSU, Springfield
Area 13 2:00 p.m., Jan. 6—Waynesville
Area 13 8:30 a.m., Jan. 7—MSU, West Plains
Area 14 4:00 p.m., Jan. 7—Sullivan
Area 15 9:00 a.m., Jan. 8—SEMO, Cape Girardeau
Area 16 2:30 p.m., Jan. 7—TRCC, Poplar Bluff
scholarshipEach year, FCS Financial honors the dedicated young men and women continuing their studies. We award up to thirty-five $1,500 scholarships to Missouri high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are current FCS Financial customers. Over the past 10 years, nearly $360,000 has been provided to help our next generation with their education. The 2015 application is due March 1, 2015.*
*Scholarship applicants must meet all qualifications in application to be eligible **Grant and Ag Youth Funding applicants must be a member of a 4-H club or FFA chapter located in one of the 102 Missouri counties served by FCS Financial. Growing Relationships. Creating Opportunities. is a trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.
grantThe Shaping Rural Missouri grant program offered by FCS Financial provides local 4-H and FFA organizations grants to implement projects that will benefit their rural communities. Funds are awarded to assist club or chapter members in bringing positive change by establishing projects that make their local communities better places to live. Applications are due by April 1, 2015.**
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ag youth fundingFCS Financial is committed to the growth and success of Missouri’s Young, Beginning and Small Farmers including future producers. To help these future producers learn more about finance, FCS Financial is providing Interest-free funding for qualifying 4-H or FFA projects.** You will learn how to keep accurate and complete project records while engaging in an educational financial opportunity. Funds are repayable within one year.
