The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Marshall FFA Chapter with Top Chapter in the state and they were named the Premier Chapter in Growing Leaders at the Virtual FFA Convention this week. These designations were selected from the 35 chapters recognized with a Missouri FFA Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter award. Marshall FFA Advisors are Tyler Burgin, Morgan Borts and Emily Reed.

Marshall FFA growing leaders activities included Bacon SAEs Happen. Freshman FFA members were given the opportunity to create, market and sell an agricultural product for their first supervised agricultural experience program. Students divided into groups to develop individualized marketing plans and cure pork bellies. They then promoted their product through chapter’s social media.

Another area chapter, the Sweet Springs FFA Chapter was chosen as the number two chapter in the state. Sweet Springs Advisors are Brent Niemeyer and Kristin Fenner. Their Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category, included Buddies and BBQ. Chapter officers were “buddied up” with a small group of new members to answer questions about the Sweet Springs FFA.

The top chapters compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced at the 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.

This is definitely an honor for both the Marshall and Sweet Springs FFA Chapters. Missouri FFA has 25,945 members representing 348 chapters.