Convention commendations

Missouri FFA members were awarded 520 American FFA Degrees at the 92nd National FFA Convention, held Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Indianapolis. That’s the most recipients of any state earning the organization’s highest individual honor in 2019.

The awards were among many earned by Missouri FFA members, past and present. Among them were Dr. Alan Wessler, retired MFA Incorpo­rated Vice President of Feed Operations and Ani­mal Health, who was presented with an Honorary American FFA Degree. The recognition is given to people who have provided exceptional service on a national level to agriculture, agricultural education or FFA. Six others from Missouri also received honorary degrees: Jackie Carlson, Scott Gardner, David Higgins, Jill Nagel, Diane Olsen and Jon Wilson.

Troy FFA was also recognized as the National Premier Chapter winner for “Building Commu­nities,” based on its campaign to promote organ donor registration to members and supporters. Troy FFA members used social media, videos and presentations to encourage enrollment in the pro­gram while educating others on the importance of organ donations. The chapter signed up more than 1,000 people to the registry.

The Sweet Springs FFA chapter was named among the top 10 in the nation in the Premier Chapter’s “Strengthening Agriculture” Division.

Two youth captured national championships in Agricultural Proficiency: Amelia Liebhart (Bucklin FFA, diversified livestock production) and Kylynn Mallen (Cameron FFA, nursery operations). The North Shelby FFA team also took first place in the agriculture mechanics category of Career and Leadership Development Events.

During the 2019 convention, the national FFA organization announced that it now has record student enrollment of more than 700,000 mem­bers, up from 669,989 in 2018. Missouri is among the top six student membership states.

A full list of this year’s award recipients is avail­able at www.ffa.org/event-results.