Missouri FFA members meet Gov. Mike Kehoe at Missouri’s Capitol to celebrate National FFA Week.
“Drive Your Tractor to School Day” is a beloved tradition within FFA chapters across the country, but especially in Missouri, where even the governor takes part. To celebrate the coming National FFA Week, Gov. Mike Kehoe drove a John Deere tractor to Missouri’s Capitol on Monday, Feb. 10, to proclaim the following week, Feb. 15-22, National FFA Week in Missouri.
Missouri FFA members from across the state met in Jefferson City to participate in this special event and experience the overwhelming support of state leaders for youth in agriculture.
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn participated in driving a tractor to the Capitol for the first time this year. Chinn felt this was a good reminder that “gender doesn’t matter in agriculture,” delivering a powerful message to young FFA members never to forget what agriculture means personally, no matter where life takes them.
Gov. Kehoe and his wife are first-generation farmers and share a deep passion for supporting organizations like FFA. He reflected on his experiences within agriculture, stating that he has “learned more through agriculture than anything else he has done.” Gov. Kehoe also expressed a need for young people in agriculture, explaining that there are great opportunities in the growing industry.
Following the tractor drive, members attended an interactive panel led by Dr. Jim Spain from the University of Missouri. The panel featured industry professionals who shared insights into agricultural careers and valuable information for the next generation of agriculturalists.
Missouri FFA members will cherish this day as much more than just a day at the Capitol. It is a powerful reminder of the unwavering support that comes from state leaders, who are not only knowledgeable but also take great pride in the future of agriculture.
