Missouri FFA From 2025 Members’ Perspectives

HYMAX attendees learned valuable lessons and skills to help them in their future endeavors, and many made connections that they will utilize throughout the rest of their lives. Photo Credits: Missouri FFA State Officer Kolton Stolba.

“This year did not slow down for us, but our members did not slow down either,” said Missouri FFA State Officer Kolton Stolba when reflecting on 2025. “They found what brought them joy, learned along the way and had fun doing it. To us, that is what is most important and what made this year so special.”

HYMAX Academy

From June 13-15, 2025 the Missouri Helping Youth Maximize their Agricultural eXperience (HYMAX) Academy welcomed 100 of the state’s top incoming high school sophomores to Camp Rising Sun. This leadership experience focused on agricultural advocacy and strengthening Supervised Agricultural Experiences. Participants not only expanded their knowledge, but also built lasting friendships and deepened their commitment to shaping the future of agriculture.

“My favorite part of HYMAX Academy was learning about the Grain Belt and performing a skit explaining the topic,” says Orrick FFA member Coy Honeycutt. Attendees also toured leading agricultural businesses and engaged in dynamic leadership sessions designed to inspire and prepare them for success.

HYPE Academy

The Missouri Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) Academy brings together 30 outstanding upcoming seniors in FFA to spark career interests. Through interactive workshops, participants enhance their communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of critical agricultural issues. HYPE Academy also provides valuable tools to help chapters effectively share the FFA story.

During HYPE Academy, members got the opportunity to tour agriculture businesses and facilities to help further their knowledge in this industry.

“At HYPE, I really enjoyed seeing another side of agriculture that I have never experienced,” says Nevada FFA member Rhett Forkner. “Getting to see how legislation and government impact agriculture was such an eye-opening experience.” Members return equipped with resources and strategies to lead and inspire within their communities.

HYPE Academy helps build and strengthen the future of agriculture and prepares them for the real world.

Public Speaking Institute

Public Speaking Institute (PSI) is a day-long hands‑on workshop designed to help members sharpen their public speaking abilities and prepare for leadership development events (LDEs). “At PSI, I learned the different ways to walk around the room with body language,” says Union FFA member Aurora Hilkerbaumer.

Members learned how to be an advocate for the agriculture industry and had fun doing so.

Former National FFA officer and public speaking expert Andrew McCrae also attended PSI, offering valuable insight and guidance to all participants.

FFA members learned skills that will also help in their everyday life. Some of these include introducing yourself and the ability to hold and start a conversation.

Agribusiness Academy

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA) provides 30 high school sophomores who are active in 4-H, FFA or come from a farming background with an outstanding opportunity for growth and leadership. Participants engage with industry professionals, explore a wide range of agricultural careers and gain valuable insights into the business side of agriculture.

“My favorite part of the Missouri Agribusiness Academy was connecting with fellow FFA members who share my passion for agriculture,” says Higginsville FFA member Whyatt Copenhaver. “The most memorable thing I learned was the incredible opportunities available in agricultural technology.”

This program not only builds leadership skills, but also opens doors to future career pathways in the ever-evolving agriculture industry.

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy gives youth the opportunity to see and explore many different sides of agriculture.

Drive to Feed Kids

FFA chapters, 4-H clubs and other youth organizations joined forces at the 2025 Missouri State Fair to combat food insecurity. Through food drives and meal-packing initiatives, these groups demonstrated the power of agricultural leadership in addressing community needs.

“I have attended Drive to Feed Kids for the past three summers while I’ve been in FFA through my local chapter,” says Norborne FFA member Kristen Waters. “My experience originally was to get more community service hours toward my state degree, but the activity quickly became a way that I could help individuals who aren’t as fortunate as I am, socialize with FFA members from across the state and contribute to something greater than myself.”

Their efforts highlight the importance of service and advocacy in building a stronger, more resilient food system.

Drive to Feed Kids is a compelling experience to help people in need.

FFA Camp

Missouri FFA Camp takes place at Camp Rising Sun and is designed to support the growth of FFA members from across Missouri. Throughout camp, members participated in a variety of leadership workshops that encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones and work effectively with others. In addition to these sessions, members enjoyed a wide range of recreational activities that allowed them to build friendships, relax, and experience the fun side of camp life.

Members listened to leadership sessions that were run by state officers.

“My favorite memory from FFA Camp was trying trapshooting for the first time,” says FFA member Miles Brockmeier. “I also enjoyed playing volleyball with old and new friends.”

By the end of the week, participants had gained valuable team‑building skills, created lasting memories and enjoyed an exciting, meaningful experience that brought FFA members together from all over the state.