Missouri FFA News Releases

COLUMBIA , Mo. , April 16, 2009 - The Missouri FFA Association recognized Jared Andrews of the Miller FFA Chapter as Area 9 Star Farmer at the 81^st Missouri FFA Convention. He is the son of Lynn and Becky Andrews of La Russell, Mo. His advisors are Jay Shepherd and Lyle Whittaker.

Area Star Farmers are chosen based upon outstanding production agriculture for the student’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and active participation in FFA. Area 9 covers 16 chapters in the Southwest District.

MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the 16 Area Star Farmer awards.

Andrews’ SAE program began with 29 crossbred heifers. Jared also has worked at Andrews Seed and Farm and Legacy Farm and Lawn. His placement SAE has helped to develop his entrepreneurship SAE. He currently has 39 cow-calf pairs. He has 86 acres of soybeans and wheat, and 56 acres of corn.

Andrews has served as the chapter president and Area 9 second vice president. Andrews has received Group 1 individual ratings in the livestock, agronomy and agriculture mechanics career development events. He also was a member of the 2008 State Champion Agriculture Mechanics team. Andrews has attended Washington Leadership Conference and the Missouri Agribusiness Academy . He also received an area diversified crop placement proficiency award.

Andrews is a member of National Honor Society and Peers as Leaders. He also is a member of Round Grove Baptist Church .

After graduation, Andrews plans to pursue a degree in farm management or agricultural economics and then return to the family farm, where he plans to raise cattle and row crops.

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.