In a Missouri Capitol hearing room, 30 of Missouri’s top FFA high school seniors discussed tariffs and trade, the farm bill and lab-produced meat labeling. It was all part of a three-day intensive training program to teach future leaders how to deal with tough issues facing agriculture.

The fourth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) FFA Academy was held June 26-28 in Columbia, Mo. The three-day intensive program is designed to inform and empower students to effectively engage about pressing agriculture topics.

By the end, participants testified on key issues during mock hearings with legislators at the Missouri Capitol. FFA members also debated foot-and-mouth vaccination banks and E15 Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) approval. Missouri state Sens. Brian Munzlinger (R-Williamstown) and Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia), and state Reps. Sonya Anderson (R-Springfield), Rusty Black (R-Chillicothe), Jay Houghton (R-Martinsburg), Deb Lavender (D-Kirkwood), Hannah Kelly (R-Mountain Grove) and Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis) interacted with and challenged the students. Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn concluded the academy by encouraging participants to use their newfound skills as they continue to represent Missouri’s No. 1 industry.

Program helps FFA members with big picture
Since the program began in 2015, the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council has sponsored and facilitated the academy in conjunction with Missouri FFA. This year, the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources hosted the academy.

“The HYPE program is a solid investment in the future of our industry,” says Mark Scott, an MCMC member from Wentzville, Mo. “I am impressed with FFA members every time I am around them, and this academy is no exception. It shows young people what goes into agriculture as a whole; it is not just growing crops or raising cattle. The legislative side is key and can have a great impact on the industry.”

Over the three days, students participated in sessions promoting advocacy training, social media, communication and stakeholder collaboration. In addition, topics included overcoming adversity, developing a personal brand and engaging those with opposing viewpoints.

Students learned from farmers, industry representatives, social media experts and others how to effectively advocate about issues facing the industry. The group explored the Missouri Soybean Association’s Bay Farm and its innovations in crop production, research and soybean biotechnology.

“HYPE Academy is an opportunity for students to engage in conversation surrounding current agricultural issues they otherwise would not be exposed to,” says Jessica Janorschke, a DeKalb High School FFA member and 2018 HYPE graduate. “It is a safe zone to ask questions, build your network of industry influencers and practice sharing your story.”

Source: Missouri Corn Growers