Vol. 41, No. 31
April 19, 2007
CONTACT: JIM MORRIS |
Ag Students Convene for
Annual Career-Development Conference
The Missouri FFA Association will kick off its annual conference Thursday (April 19) at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. Nearly 8,000 agricultural education students, parents, teachers and visitors are expected to attend the two-day event. The first general session begins at 2:30 p.m.
The 79th annual Missouri FFA Convention will feature career development sessions, leadership activities, competitive events and scholarships. Educational exhibits will be held 9-3 p.m. Friday.
“This is our largest conference ever,” said Steve Brown, district supervisor for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “It’s a good program and offers the right kind of opportunities for students.
“Agriculture has long been thought of as ‘plows and cows’ but that is not what it is all about.” He said the agricultural field offers a broad range of opportunities for students. “It is horticulture, natural resources, conservation and environmental safety. It is agricultural mechanics, technical support, wildlife management and more.”
A new leadership activity planned for this year’s conference is titled, “Change Lives – Teach Agricultural Education.” The invitational workshop Friday will be an activity-based presentation for sophomore and junior high school students to consider careers as agricultural education instructors.
“We need ag teachers,” Brown said. “We keep expanding programs and adding students, and we don’t have enough certified instructors to meet the need. As more and more retire, there is going to be an even greater need.” The introductory program has the potential to be replicated nationally, he said.
DESE Agricultural Education staff assists in the overall planning and supervision of the convention and contests. The state FFA student officers plan and conduct the convention sessions, including the business meetings, award programs, entertainment and inspirational activities. The 610 student delegates, two from each chapter, transact all business.
Missouri FFA has nearly doubled since 1985. It now has 23,000 members in 305 chapters in high schools across the state. Three new chapters joined the organization this year and five more will be added next year.
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For more information, contact: Terry Heiman, Director, Agricultural Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Jefferson City (573-751-3544).
At the conference, visit: the registration/information desk on the east side of the Hearnes Center for assistance. The news media may obtain information about career-development events and convention activities in the pressroom backstage.