Dexter High School FFA members shine at Greenhand Motivational Conference

Future Farmers of America members from Dexter High School attended the annual Greenhand Motivational Conference on Jan. 8. It was held at Three River Community College in Poplar Bluff.

Over 4,500 first-year FFA members from more than 350 Missouri high schools attended these conferences throughout the state from Jan. 6-10, according to organizers. The conferences featured interactive workshops and competitions sponsored by Prairie View Seeds, Pioneer Seed and the Missouri FFA Foundation.

“Eleven greenhands attended the conference, and eight FFA officers finished third in the Ritual Contest,” DHS agriculture teacher Jorden Massey said. “In the Ritual Contest, each officer must recite a certain section of the Opening Ceremonies by memory. Members were expected to conduct open and closing ceremonies, which included the Pledge of Allegiance. Judging criteria included voice, accuracy, and poise.”

Nineteen conferences were held at the following 13 locations: Missouri State Fairgrounds-Sedalia, Bowling Green High School, Truman State University-Kirksville, Three Rivers Community College-Poplar Bluff, Missouri State University-West Plains, Lincoln University-Jefferson City, LaCroix Methodist Church-Cape Girardeau, Waynesville High School, Missouri State University-Springfield, Northwest Missouri State University-Maryville, University of Missouri-Columbia, and North Central Missouri College-Trenton.

FFA is a national youth organization consisting of 1,027,273 student members. The state of Missouri contains 363 FFA chapters with more than 27,000 student members.

The Dexter FFA chapter strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education, according to the group.