By Blake Jackson
Thirty high school seniors from across Missouri recently completed the eleventh annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) FFA Academy, held June 24-26 in Jefferson City.
This three-day program aims to equip agriculture students with the knowledge and skills to actively engage in issues affecting Missouri’s agriculture industry. The event was sponsored by the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council.
“Many of these FFA members will be future leaders in our industry. So often, the decisions that can make or break their ability to return to the family farm or be involved in agriculture are being made by those outside the industry," said MCMC Chairman Brian Lehman of Versailles.
"By arming these students with tools to strengthen their voices, they will be better prepared to effectively engage in the tough conversations impacting agriculture, whether it is with friends or neighbors, on social media, or with the individuals setting policy.”
During the academy, students participated in sessions focused on advocacy training, communication fundamentals, and social media outreach. They heard from a diverse group of experts, including farmers, industry leaders, social media influencers, and Congressman Bob Onder, who shared insights on how to effectively advocate for agricultural issues.
The group also toured the Missouri Soybean Center for Innovation to learn about cutting-edge research and advancements benefiting farmers.
To conclude the program, students practiced their advocacy skills through mock legislative hearings at the Missouri State Capitol. They presented key agricultural topics to State Representatives Willard Haley, Jim Schulte, Emily Weber, Elizabeth Fuchs, Peggy McGaugh, and Kent Haden. The participants also met Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.
“The HYPE Academy is an opportunity for students to gain experience in effectively communicating their thoughts, their beliefs, and their knowledge about agriculture issues,” said Missouri FFA State Advisor Keith Dietzschold.
“There's a lot of misinformation out there, and Missouri Corn and Missouri FFA thought this is one way we could work together to try to help young individuals understand the need to tell our agriculture story to the public.”
Photo Credit: missouri-corn
Categories: Missouri, Education