Missouri FFA News Releases

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2009—Tony Rickard of Monett, Mo., was named an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 81^st Missouri FFA Convention.

Rickard is a University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist in southwest Missouri . Rickard received his bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University ; he received his master’s and doctoral degrees from Cornell University . Rickard worked as the superintendent of the New York State Fair dairy youth show. He later worked at the University of Maryland where he specialized in youth dairy programs before coming to the University of Missouri . Four years ago, he started the FFA dairy judging contest at MU’s Southwest Missouri Center to help members prepare for future contests.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients each year at its annual state convention for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA while rendering outstanding service.

The Missouri FFA has 24,410 members representing 317 chapters. The national organization has more than 507,000 members representing 7,439 local chapters in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands .

The FFA Mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

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