Agriculture is Missouri’s top economic industry, and the Missouri FFA is one organization that has helped the industry to thrive over the years.
Gov. Mike Parson has proclaimed this week National FFA Week in Missouri. We join him in honoring the organization and its more than 25,000 members.
More than 80 of the group’s members welcomed Parson to the Capitol as the governor replicated the FFA tradition of driving a tractor to school during National FFA Week.
The tractor was fueled by B20 biodiesel and led from the Governor’s Mansion to the Capitol Tuesday morning by the Missouri FFA van, sponsored by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council.
Parson isn’t just a politician playing the part of a farmer. A reporter at the event asked the governor the last time he drove a tractor. For many politicians, that would be a “gotcha” type question. For Parson, it was an easy answer: “Sunday,” he responded.
Parson is a third-generation farmer who continues to operate his own cattle farm, in Polk County, near Bolivar. So he understands the importance of the FFA.
“I am so proud to let the members of Missouri FFA know that they have a friend in the governor’s office who is working, day in and day out, to protect their future,” Parson said in a news release. “Whether it’s driving a tractor to work this morning or fighting for more STEM programs, I want to ensure the next generation of agriculture thrives.”
The FFA isn’t just about farming, it’s about leadership and growth in various areas of life. Students in FFA grow into leaders in a wide array of fields, including business, science, engineering and teaching.
The FFA’s vision is: “Students whose lives are impacted by FFA and agricultural education will achieve academic and personal growth, strengthen American agriculture and provide leadership to build healthy local communities, a strong nation and a sustainable world.”
This week, we commend the work done by the Missouri FFA to better the lives of its members, which in turn strengthens our whole state.
News Tribune