| Contact: | April 15-18, 2009 Joyce Cutright at 573-882-0866 After April 18 at 417-887-9844 |
| Email: moffaconv@missouri.edu | |
| Web: http://agebb.missouri.edu/news/moffaconv/ | |
GARDNER, FROM THE COLE CAMP FFA CHAPTER, RECOGNIZED AS AREA 8 STAR IN AGRIBUSINESS
COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2009 - The Missouri FFA Association named Jacob Gardner of Lincoln, Mo., a member of the Cole Camp FFA Chapter, as Area 8 Star in Agribusiness at the 81th Missouri FFA Convention. His parents are Earl and Becky Gardner. His advisor is Charles Simpson.
Area Star in Agribusiness is based on outstanding agribusiness activities as part of the student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program and FFA leadership activities. Area 8 covers 21 chapters in the Northeast District.
MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the Area Star in Agribusiness awards.
Gardner stays busy mowing lawns and selling firewood in his SAE program. He is a partner in a lawn-mowing business that started with one mower and a trailer. After two years of increasing clientele, the partners purchased a new mower that allowed them to mow lawns faster. During his senior year, Gardner purchased another mower to increase efficiency and an enclosed trailer to store the equipment.
Gardner also cuts, splits, loads and hauls firewood to customers with his father. He invested his profits in the business by purchasing two new saws and splitting mauls, along with other needed equipment. Gardner learned how to properly maintain the equipment and eventually took over the enterprise.
Gardner has served as chapter chaplain and treasurer. He has competed in the state agricultural mechanics career development event. Throughout his high school, Jacob has participated in several FFA chapter activities.
After high school, Gardner plans to pursue an associate’s degree in automotive technology at State Fair Community College . He hopes to open his own shop and business.
The Missouri FFA has 24,410 members representing 317 chapters. The national organization has over 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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