Vivian Jones placed first nationally in the #SpeakAgShowcase in October 2025.

The FFA journey of Vivian Jones began differently than many others — so differently that the journey began over 3,000 miles away in the Netherlands. After learning about FFA at her school in the Netherlands, Jones knew that she wanted to get involved in the organization. With FFA on her mind, Jones took flight to the United States, and is now soaring to success.

Jones started school at the West Platte High School in the winter of 2025, halfway through her freshman year. Being the new kid in a small town isn’t easy, but with heart and courage, Jones is succeeding and finding her place, both in and out of the classroom. She encourages new kids in all settings to “insert yourself wherever you can, even if it’s hard in the beginning.”

Upon enrolling in the West Platte High School, Jones quickly became involved in the West Platte FFA Chapter in Missouri.

In the Teach Agriculture speaking competition, which is part of Missouri FFA Fall Speaking, Vivian Jones placed first.

Last fall, Jones competed in public speaking. She chose the Missouri Teach Agriculture topic, which required competitors to present a speech about promoting wellness and mental health in the agricultural education field. As an aspiring agriculture teacher herself, Jones was excited to dive deeper into the field while researching her speech.

In the speech, Jones discussed the importance of supporting agriculture educators whenever possible. She also discussed the importance of the mental health of agriculture educators, specifically during high-stress competition seasons. Jones advises students to have patience with their agriculture teacher, because you never know what they might be going through. Jones won first place and, as the 2025 Missouri Teach Agriculture State Speaking Championship winner, will deliver her speech at the 2026 Missouri State FFA Convention.

Not only is Jones a state champion in speaking, but she also advocates for agriculture in a niche way. In April 2025, she was crowned as Teen Miss Missouri AgHERculture. Through this position, Jones has the opportunity to serve Missouri agriculture in many ways. She has hosted many community service projects, and going into the new year, she is already planning a blood drive and a highway clean-up.

Vivian Jones as Teen Miss Missouri AgHERculture.

Women play an important role in the agriculture industry, and Jones shares this through her social media platform, “Behind the Boots.” This platform gives young women a voice in agriculture. In each spotlight, Jones includes pictures and fun facts that the spotlighted woman is doing to promote agriculture.

“Women are making huge impacts on the industry,” Jones says. “I feel like ‘Behind the Boots’ is a space for young women to have a spotlight to show off what they are doing in the industry.”

Jones crossed the ocean to pursue her FFA dreams. Now, surrounded by a sea of blue corduroy jackets, she is exerting an influence in her home and community. Her influence can and will hold true for present and future generations of agriculturists.