Missouri FFA News Releases

COLUMBIA , Mo. , April 16, 2009 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Chris Burstert from the Richmond FFA Chapter as the Area 6 Star in Placement at the 81^th Missouri FFA Convention. His parents are Brian and Kipper Burstert of Richmond, Mo. His advisors are Joe Robinson and Adam Brock.

Area Stars in Placement are selected based upon outstanding achievement in work experience in an agricultural business as part of a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program and active participation in FFA. Area 6 covers 18 chapters in the Central District.

MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the Area Star in Placement Awards.

Burstert’s Supervised Agriculture Experience Program began at age 14 when he started working for Bob Vandiver Cattle Company. The company owns and raises more than 8,000 head of feeder cattle. Burstert also harvests corn silage in the summers. He works with calves by vaccinating and treating the sick. He also maintains the water supplies, hay feeders and makes sure the fencing is not damaged. Burstert repairs and keeps up with the maintenance for the grain trucks and tractors.

Burstert has served as the chapter parliamentarian. In 2008, he was the Area FFA Forage Production Proficiency Award winner. He received the Chapter Star Greenhand Degree. He has also participated on the meats, ag mechanics, and poultry career development event teams. He has attended National FFA convention, State FFA leadership camp, leadership adventure (STEP) and Greenhand Motivational Conference. Burstert has also been involved in several chapter level activities.

Burstert received his Spartan card for good attendance and citizenship. He also attends Industrial Welding classes and is involved in Skills USA.

After high school graduation, Burstert plans to start a career in welding or with the railroad. He also wants to own and operate a small farm of his own.

The Missouri FFA has 24,410 members representing 316 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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