Missouri FFA News Releases

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2009 - The Missouri FFA Association recognized Drew Bolinger of the California FFA Chapter as Area 1 Star Farmer at the 81^st Missouri FFA Convention. He is the son of Greg and Jeanne of California, Mo. His advisors are Adam Bieri and Lee Longan.

Area Star Farmers are chosen based upon outstanding production agriculture for the student’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and active participation in FFA. Area 8 covers 21 chapters in the Central District.

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

Bolinger's supervised agricultural experience program began with 130 head of steers and has expanded to 150 head of cattle in the pasture. He also works at the Versailles Livestock Auction. His experience with feeding cattle in the western feedlots has been very educational.

Bolinger served as chapter reporter. He has competed in the livestock, forestry, nursery and landscaping career development events.

Bolinger has been a member of the high school chamber choir for four years. He has been a part of the History and DECA clubs as well. He is the song leader in his church's choir. He also was a member of the 2007 Missouri Fine Arts Academy.

Bolinger plans on going to Missouri State University. While there he will be considering a major in agriculture. He hopes to get a bachelors degree in the agriculture field. He hopes to be the owner of his own land and cattle one day.

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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