Governor Mike Kehoe Proclaims National FFA Week in Missouri

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri is celebrating the future of agriculture as Governor Mike Kehoe officially proclaimed February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week in the state.

In a nod to FFA tradition, Governor Kehoe arrived at the Capitol in a John Deere tractor, recognizing the long-standing custom of students driving their tractors to school during FFA Week. He was joined by Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer, in marking the occasion.

Missouri FFA President Andi Belt, from the North Shelby FFA Chapter, accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Missouri FFA State Officer team.

Governor Kehoe emphasized the significance of agriculture in Missouri, stating, "Agriculture is near and dear to my heart and our state's leading economic driver. Claudia and I are proud to support Missouri FFA members and recognize National FFA Week. These students will take Missouri's agriculture industry to new heights, and I am excited about what they will accomplish in the future."

Missouri is home to 365 FFA chapters and over 27,000 members, ranking eleventh nationally in membership. Agriculture leaders across the state praised the organization for preparing young people for careers in the industry.

Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn called the event a highlight of the year, saying, "I love spending the day with FFA members from across the state who are the future leaders in agriculture. It was fun to join Governor Kehoe today to celebrate this time-honored tradition."

FFA provides students with leadership opportunities, hands-on experience, and career pathways in agriculture. Missouri Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Karla Eslinger noted the importance of FFA in workforce development, stating, "Career and technical student organizations like FFA are helping grow the leaders of tomorrow. FFA students participate in real-world learning opportunities and develop employability skills that business and industry partners want to see in the next generation of Missouri's workforce."

The National FFA Organization, founded in 1928 in Kansas City, now boasts over 9,200 chapters nationwide with more than 1 million members.

For more information about Missouri FFA, visit MissouriFFA.org.