If you are one of the future generation that will drive Missouri's nearly $10 billion agriculture industry, the state Department of Agriculture has an opportunity you should know about.
It is offering 30 Missouri high school students - representing 4-H clubs, FFA chapters or just farm families - the chance to survey agriculture careers.
The 2020 Missouri Agribusiness Academy is a competitive program for sophomores interested in ag-related college degrees and careers.
Those selected will have a yearlong opportunity to learn about the agriculture industry in Jefferson City, careers in Kansas City and volunteering at the Missouri State Fair, among other things. Over the past year, it has added more development opportunities for students in agriculture policy, communications, leadership and service, Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said in a news release.
The 2020 schedule will be finalized in the spring and include visits with industry and agribusiness leaders, as well as tours of their facilities. The program has graduated close to 1,000 since 1988.
Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has graduated 960 students through a competitive application and interview process.
Students interested in participating must submit an application by Feb. 1, 2020. For applications and guidelines, as well as more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
If you are a high school sophomore with an interest in the agriculture industry, we urge you to apply. We believe those who are selected will be inspired and will focus their areas of interest, all while meeting life-long friends and possibly future colleagues or associates.
News Tribune