Launchpad for LearningFFA helped sharpen Carley Esser’s career development, relationship skills all while cultivating her passion for agriculture.by Joann PipkinCarley Esser didn’t grow up on a farm. But that didn’t stop her from learning the impact of the agriculture industry and from making the most of her FFA experience. Today, the former Boonville FFA member is a legislative assistant in Washington, D.C., for Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04). In her role, Esser researches and develops policy, engages with constituents, and works with agencies to help influence policy and regulations that impact Missouri and the fourth congressional district. She also works on trade, energy, environment, education, transportation, and foreign aid policy. Successful StewardshipLand improvements, cover crops help Cory Word become a national finalist in the Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management Placement Proficiency Awardby Joann PipkinLand stewardship. It’s top of mind for Cory Word, and it helped him become a 2020 national finalist in the Environmental Science and Natural Resources Management Placement Proficiency Award area. Working for his grandfather at Hellwege Farms LLC, Word helps maintain and improve land quality for the row crop, hay, and beef cattle operation. In his role there, Word repairs and creates new waterways and integrates cover crops to improve soil health and prevent erosion. He also assists with manure management for the farm’s feedlot. When a Snag Sparks SpiritPrinceton FFA member Brylee Williams turns challenges into big rewards. by Joann Pipkin Princeton FFA member Brylee Williams knows first-hand how a challenge can help develop passion in something. The 2020 National Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award finalist lost every litter born in January 2018 when the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus (PEDv) hit her farrowing house. “We ran tests on every single pig we lost and worked with our vet for months to ensure that we did not have the problem again,” Williams explains. Today, the young entrepreneur implements a strict vaccination protocol to help ensure pigs stay healthy. Don’t Skip the Scholarships!by Joann PipkinHeads up, high school seniors! A number of scholarship opportunities are available this winter and spring. The Missouri State Fair and the Youth in Agriculture Committee are accepting applications for Youth in Agriculture scholarships for Missouri high school seniors graduating in 2021. The application form and requirements can be found on the fair’s website, mostatefair.com. Applications should be submitted to the Missouri State Fair and must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2021. A total of 40 scholarships amounting to $68,500 will be awarded. <READ MORE>10 Tips for Scholarship AppsCollege-bound? Now is the time to get financial assistance! from Missouri State University Agricultural Communications Dept. The excitement of graduating from high school and beginning a collegiate career is among the most celebrated milestones in life. But, along with the excitement comes figuring out how to pay for school, which can be a burden for some students. Scholarships are the ideal option to help pay for college, and the amount of financial assistance available for students entering higher education is vast. Scholarship applications do require time and commitment, but the task pays off when you put your best effort into them. To help with the application process, consider these tips to improve your chances of obtaining scholarships. Attention Missouri Agriculture teachers! Are you using the new Exploring Agriculture curriculum to teach one or more middle school classes? Consider applying for the Exploring Ag in Missouri Video Contents to earn $500 cash! Read on to find out more about this exciting opportunity! The first Rural Missouri issue of 2021 is hot off the presses! The January magazine includes the Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest featuring Missouri State Parks, the last chance to vote for the best of rural Missouri, and more local stories throughout the Show-Me state!
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