JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri’s top 30 FFA high school seniors completed the sixth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) FFA Academy. Usually a three-day program, this year’s academy was completed virtually over 10 weeks. Students participated in sessions promoting advocacy training, social media, communication, and stakeholder collaboration. The young leaders heard directly from industry representatives, social media experts, and others on effectively advocating about issues facing the industry.
A keynote featuring Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn challenged participants to continue speaking out about agriculture after the academy and as they embark on their college and future careers. In culmination, participants testified on key issues during mock hearings with state legislators. This year’s topics included trade, eminent domain, large animal production, river management, and the federal Renewable Fuel Standard. Missouri Sens. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) and Sandy Crawford (R-Buffalo), and State Reps. Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe), Kent Haden (R-Mexico), Deb Lavendar (D-Kirkwood), Wes Rogers (D-Kansas City), and Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis) interacted with and challenged students. Designed to inform and empower students to effectively engage on critical issues impacting today’s corn industry, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council has sponsored and facilitated the academy in conjunction with Missouri FFA since 2015.
— Missouri Corn Growers Association
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