News

Number of Missourians earning American FFA Degree tops nation

A record 532 Missouri FFA members earned American FFA Degrees during the youth organization’s 90^th National Convention in Indianapolis.  Missouri FFA Executive Secretary Keith Dietzschold tells Brownfield that number, the highest of any state in the nation, is because of work-based learning programs in Missouri schools.

“This is an honor for our state to recognize those members that are maintaining those work-based experiences,” Dietzschold told Brownfield Ag News.  “We think that just goes to show that what a great job our local advisers are doing.”

The Marshall, Missouri FFA was recognized at the convention as the nation’s Overall Top Chapter in the Model of Excellence division of the National Chapter Award Program.  The Paris, Missouri FFA earned Top Chapter honors in the Growing Leaders Division of that program.

“Not only are they trying to build their own chapter members, but they’re also trying to serve different areas within their school or community,” said Dietzschold, “and so all those things go into account to determine the end placing.”

There were 15 Missouri FFA members in the National FFA Band, five in the chorus and three chosen to perform individually during the convention.

AUDIO: Keith Dietzschold (7 min. MP3)