Worth County FFA Wraps Up a Successful Year

The Worth County FFA Chapter closed the school year on a high note after strong performances at the state convention and the selection of a new officer team for 2026–27.

At the Missouri FFA State Convention, members Riley Ridge, Rylee Ruckman, Bailey Steele, and Wyatt Hill earned the prestigious State FFA Degree. The Farm Business Management team—Brock Healy, Tucker Fletchall, Caleb New, and Kristen Tracy—also competed, bringing home a silver team rating. Individually, Caleb New received a gold rating for his performance.

Following the convention, the chapter held officer interviews and selected its new leadership team: President Kristen Tracy, Vice President Caleb New, Secretary Megan Tracy, Treasurer Keira Hardy, Reporter Braelyn Fletchall, and Sentinel Audrey Runde. The officers have already begun planning for the coming year under the theme, “Build It Even Better,” with a focus on leadership, growth, success, and service.

Summer plans are underway as well. Officers will participate in a retreat and training in May, assist with the pedal tractor pull at Old Defiance Days in June, and host a breakfast for the Worth County Tractor Cruise on July 3.

With momentum from a successful year and an ambitious plan ahead, Worth County FFA members are preparing to make next year even better.

—Article written and submitted by Braelyn Fletchall

 

Worth County 4-H/FFA Horse Show Results

SENIOR DIVISION

Western Pleasure – Kylee Runde 1st, Emersyn McCrary 2nd, Brylea Paxson 3rd.

Showmanship – Emersyn McCrary 1st, Liz Brown 2nd, Kylee Runde 3rd.

Horsemanship – Molly Miller 1st, Kylee Runde 2nd, Emersyn McCrary 3rd.

Trail – Eliza Clements 1st, Kylee Runde 2nd, Brylea Paxson 3rd.

Barrels – Liz Brown 1st, Emersyn McCrary 2nd, Kylee Runde 3rd.

Poles – Liz Brown 1st, Emersyn McCrary 2nd, Brylea Paxson 3rd.

Overall – Emersyn McCrary 1st, Kylee Runde 2nd, Liz Brown 3rd.

JUNIOR DIVISION

Western Pleasure – Hartley Fitzgerald 1st, Karlie Stevens 2nd, Brianna Riley 3rd.

Showmanship – Hartley Fitzgerald 1st, Karlie Stevens 2nd, Brianna Riley 3rd.

Horsemanship – Brianna Riley 1st, Hartley Fitzgerald 2nd, Summer Riley 3rd.

Trail – Summer Riley 1st, Kylie Noble 2nd, Brianna Riley 3rd.

Barrels – Brianna Riley 1st, Kylie Noble 2nd, Summer Riley 3rd.

Poles – Kylie Noble 1st, Brianna Riley 2nd, Hartley Fitzgerald 3rd.

Overall – Brianna Riley 1st, Hartley Fitzgerald 2nd, Kylie Noble 3rd.

CLOVER KIDS

Overall – Clell Clements 1st, Brooklyn Baldwin 2nd.

Josh Smith Says Good Bye to Worth County FFA; Keelin Engel, Tate Welch Get Special Recognition

It was a time for good byes Wednesday as FFA Advisor Josh Smith hung up his jacket along with the seniors following the Worth County FFA Banquet. Outgoing FFA President Keelin Engel presided over her last meeting before turning the gavel over to Justina Wimer; she and Tate Welch were given special recognition in the form of FFA Career Excellence awards for all their hard work and service to the program for the last four years. Josh Smith will remain at Worth County, but in a new role; he will become Athletic Director and Curriculum Director for the school. 

New officers were installed for the 2021-2022 school year. They were Justina Wimer (President), Drew Welch (Vice President), Taylor Sanders (Secretary), Molly Miller (Treasurer), Elizabeth Brown (Reporter), and Ali Brown (Sentinel).

Drew Welch recited the FFA Creed at the start of the program. Tate Welch got recognized for being an Area II FFA Officer for last year, while Justina Wimer was recognized for being Area II FFA Sentinel for this year.

Top sellers this year were Justina Wimer, Jill Hardy, and Molly Miller.

Leadership awards were given to Autumn Cousatte, Tyler New, Drew Welch, Taylor Sanders, Ali Brown, Justina Wimer, Molly Miller, Anna Spainhower, Jill Hardy, Tate Welch, Braidy Hunt, Keelin Engel, Megan Cassavaugh, EmiLee Brown, and Wyatt Abplanalp.

Chapter Scholarship awards were given to Brylee Rush, Drew Welch, Justina Wimer, and Tate Welch.

Greenhand Degrees were given to Tyler New, Autumn Cousatte, Dillan Gavigan, Brylee Rush, Kolten Smith, Tuker Riley, and Landon Moser. Star Chapter Greenland award was given to Autumn Cousatte.

Chapter FFA Degrees were given to Lance Abplanalp, Hailey Adwell, Ali Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Colt Cameron, Levi Cassavaugh, Wyatt Craven, Braxton Hightshoe, Cash Jacobs, Jase Latham, Tanner Ridge, Damian Roush, Taylor Sanders, and Drew Welch. Star Chapter Farmer awards went to Taylor Sanders and Drew Welch. All of them got Star Chapter Placement awards.

Proficiency awards went to Justina Wimer (Diversified Livestock), Molly Miller (Equine Science), Zach Bounds (Grain Production), Grant Cameron (Ag Services), James Gladstone (Forest Management), Aydan Gladstone (Beef Production), Marshall Ruckman (Landscape Management), Megan Cassavaugh (Diversified Agriculture), Wyatt Abplanalp (Ag Mechanics, Design, and Fabrication), Keelin Engel (Diversified Livestock), Braidy Hunt (Sheep Production), Jill Hardy (Beef Production Entrepreneurship), Tate Welch (Swine Production Entrepreneurship), EmiLee Brown (Equine Science, State Plaque), and Anna Spainhower (Goat Production, State Plaque). 

The BTC Bank Scholarship went to Ali Brown. The Farm Bureau Scholarships went to Keelin Engel, EmiLee Brown, Braidy Hunt, and Jill Hardy.

State FFA Degrees were awarded. Recipients are among the top 10% of all FFA members in the state. Honored were Keelin Engel, Tate Welch, Braidy Hunt, Nate Adwell, EmiLee Brown, Wyatt Abplanalp, and Anna Spainhower. American FFA Degrees were awarded to Haley Hunt and Jeremy Wimer. 

All of the contest teams were recognized. Brylee Rush was recognized as the top FFA Knowledge contestant. She was 13th overall in districts. The Poultry team was 11th in districts. Tuker Riley was 19th overall. The Soils team was 12th in districts. Anna Spainhower was high individual. The Horses team was 3rd in districts. Justina Wimer was 8th, Molly Miller 11th, and Drew Welch 12th overall.

The Meats team was 6th in districts. Keelin Engel was 10th overall. They competed in state, where they placed 21st. The Dairy Cattle team was fifth in districts, with Wyatt Abplanalp fourth overall. The team went to state, where they were 14th, with Ali Brown 12th at state with a Group I rating. Wyatt Abplanalp was high individual.

The Livestock team won districts, with Tate Welch first overall. Braidy Hunt was fifth and Megan Cassavaugh was sixth. They went on to state, where they were sixth overall with a Group 1 rating. Tate Welch was second overall at state and was high individual.

The Blue and Gold award, given to people for their service to the organization, was given to Brett and Stephanie Hardy along with Craig and Sheila Hunt. Outgoing school secretary Kandi Hughes was named an honorary member.

The Bev Pickering, Ted Foland, and Arthur Knight Memorial Scholarships all went to Keelin Engel.

Worth County FFA Proficiency Awards

The following Worth County FFA students received Proficiency Awards at the Area II FFA award selection Wednesday night:

EmiLee Brown- 1st Place in Equine Science- Advancing to State

Anna Spainhower- 1st Place in Goat Production- Advancing to State

Jill Hardy- 2nd Place in Beef Production

Tate Welch- 2nd Place in Swine Production

Keelin Engel- 4th Place in Diversified Livestock Production

Wyatt Abplanalp- 4th Place in Ag Mechanics 

Braidy Hunt- 4th Place in Sheep Production

Worth County Livestock Show Results

MARKET LAMBS

Third Division

Baylie Busby (115 lbs) 1st, Ally Shelley (114 lbs) 2nd, Lane Kollitz (98 lbs) 3rd.

Second Division

Ally Shelley (124 lbs) 1st, Lane Kollitz (120 lbs) 2nd, Lane Kollitz (122 lbs) 3rd.

First Division

Baylie Busby (142 lbs) 1st, Zoey Shelley (131 lbs) 2nd. They were also Grand Champion and Reserve Champion.

Showmanship

Baylie Busby, Junior Showmanship; Emily Anderson, Senior Showmanship.

BUCKET CALF

Brylea Paxson 1st, Gabriella Rowen 2nd, Abigail Rowen 3rd.

BREEDING HEIFER

Kenzie Milligan (Simmental, Reserve Champion) 1st, Kenzie Milligan (Simmental) 2nd.

Kerrigan Mobley (Angus, Grand Champion) 1st.

Riley Jones (Polled Hereford) 1st.

CROSSBRED HEIFER

Tyler Jones 1st, Josie Baker 2nd, Kenzie Milligan (Foundation Simmental) 3rd.

MARKET BEEF STEER

Josie Baker (1,255 lbs) 1st.

OTHER CATTLE AWARDS

Tyler Jones, Grand Champion Market Heifer; Josie Baker, Reserve Champion Market Steer; Kenzie Milligan, Junior Showmanship; Kerrigan Mobley, Senior Showmanship.

BROWNFIELD BELT BUCKLE

Drew Welch.

Kids representing Worth County were Tate Welch, Drew Welch, Brylea Paxson, Ali Brown, Gabriella Rowen, and Abigail Rowen. FFA officers helping in the show ring included Megan Cassavaugh, EmiLee Brown, Molly Miller, Justina Wimer, and Keelin Engel. Sean Coats was the judge for the show.

Merrideth Spiers Named Worth County FFA President for 2019-2020

Merrideth Spiers was named Worth County FFA President for the 2019-2020 School Year. She will take over for Haley Hunt. Other officers for next year will be Tate Welch (1st Vice-President), Keelin Engel (2nd Vice-President), Megan Cassavaugh (Secretary), Jill Hardy (Treasurer), EmiLee Brown (Reporter), Braidy Hunt (Sentinel), Anna Spainhower (Historian), and Wyatt Abplanalp (Chaplain).

Justina Wimer received a “Gold” rating in Districts for making it to the final round of the Creed Speaking contest. Trent Gabriel was recognized for making it to the National FFA Chorus. He got to shake President Donald Trump’s hand twice while he was there. Keelin Engel was recognized for making it to the State FFA Chorus, where she performed at State FFA this year.

Top fundraising members for this year were Tate Welch (1st), Jill Hardy (2nd), and Megan Cassavaugh (3rd). Jared Simmons presented a plaque to Tate Welch.

The FFA Chapter Scholarship Award went to Haley Hunt. Getting Scholarship medals were Justina Wimer (freshman), Tate Welch (sophomore), Merrideth Spiers (junior), and Jacob New (senior). The Chapter Leadership Awards this year went to Justina Wimer, Tate Welch, Jill Hardy, Merrideth Spiers, and Haley Hunt.

FFA Greenhand Degrees went to Bobby Baker, Grant Cameron, Cooper Chapman, Jace Cousatte, James Gladstone, Cassie Johnson, Callie Mancuso, Molly Miller, Caden Moyer, Alex Rinehart, Marshall Ruckman, Lucas Wake, Justina Wimer, Aydan Gladstone, Lincoln Moore, and Jackson Runde. Star Greenhand Award went to Justina Wimer.

Chapter FFA Degrees went to Wyatt Abplanalp, Nate Adwell, Addison Blankenship, EmiLee Brown, Megan Cassavaugh, Keelin Engel, Reid Gabriel, Jill Hardy, Braidy Hunt, Chance Jacobs, Allison Larison, Anna Spainhower, Tate Welch, and Maddie Taute. Star Chapter Farmer went to Keelin Engel and Tate Welch. Star Chapter Placement went to Merrideth Spiers. Star Chapter Agri-Business went to Haley Hunt.

FFA Proficiency Awards for mastering various subjects went to Merrideth Spiers, Caleb Parman, Daniel Craven, Isaac Alarcon, Ethan Thomas, Jeremy Wimer, Anna Gladstone, Sheila Harker, John Mancuso, Haley Hunt, Drevin Brown, Aydan Gladstone, Jacob New, Kristin New, EmiLee Brown, Bryant McCord, Anna Spainhower, Molly Miller, Trent Gabriel, Aaron Farrell, Braidy Hunt, Jill Hardy, Megan Cassavaugh, Jenna Smith, Nate Adwell, Wyatt Abplanalp, Keelin Engel, Addison Blankenship, Allison Larison, and Chance Jacobs.

Hugh Ross of BTC Bank and the Worth County Farm Bureau presented scholarship awards. Megan Cassavaugh got the BTC Bank Scholarship. Haley Hunt and Jeremy Wimer got the Worth County Farm Bureau Scholarships.

Two Worth County FFA members were recognized for getting a State FFA Degree, which goes to the top 3% of statewide FFA members. They were Haley Hunt and Jeremy Wimer. They were also recognized at the State FFA Convention. Three Worth County members got their American FFA Degree, which is the highest honor that the FFA can award. They were Victoria Moore, Brianna Harker, and Jacob Wimer.

The various Worth County FFA teams were recognized. The Horses team consisted of Allison Larison, Braidy Hunt, Megan Cassavaugh, and Tate Welch. They were second at Lathrop, and Tate Welch was second individual. They were second at Savannah; Tate Welch was second individual and Megan Cassavaugh was third. They won North Central Missouri College; Tate Welch was first, Megan Cassavaugh fifth, and Braidy Hunt eighth. They were third in districts; Megan Cassavaugh was fourth, Tate Welch nine, and Braidy Hunt and Allison Larison tied for 15th. They were 15th at state and Tate Welch was ninth overall. Tate Welch was high individual.

The Dairy Cattle team consisted of Jill Hardy, EmiLee Brown, Jeremy Wimer, and Keelin Engel. They were fourth at Lathrop, and Keelin Engel was ninth and Jeremy Wimer 20th. EmiLee Brown was the top individual at Savannah. They were third at districts; Keelin Engel was 10th, Jill Hardy 13th, and EmiLee Brown 18th. They received a Division II rating at State. EmiLee Brown was high individual.

The Meats team consisted of Merrideth Spiers, Wyatt Abplanalp, Justina Wimer, and Haley Hunt. They were ninth at Lathrop, with Merrideth Spiers second overall. They were 10th at North Central Missouri College, with Merrideth Spiers 14th. They were sixth in districts, with Merrideth Spiers 13th and Justina Wimer 14th. They received a Group II rating at state. Merrideth Spiers was high individual.

The Livestock team consisted of Kristin New, Anna Gladstone, Sheila Harker, and Lucas Wake. They were 14th at Lathrop and 12th at Savannah. They were fourth at North Central Missouri College, with Kristin New 11th and Anna Gladstone 14th. They were eighth at districts, with Anna Gladstone 17th overall. They received a Group II rating at state, with Kristin New getting 21st overall. Kristin New was high individual.

The Soils team consisted of Addison Blankenship, Nate Adwell, Maddie Taute, and Anna Spainhower, They were 14th at Savannah, 17th at North Central Missouri College, and 14th at districts. Addison Blankenship was high individual.

The Poultry team consisted of Marshall Ruckman, Grant Cameron, and James Gladstone, They were 24th at Savannah and 19th at districts. James Gladstone was high individual.

The Farm Management team consisted of Lincoln Moore, Aydan Gladstone, and Molly Miller. They were 18th at districts. Aydan Gladstone was high individual.

The Grasslands Evaluation team, which competed in the fall, consisted of Merrideth Spiers, Haley Hunt, Tate Welch, and Keelin Engel. They were fifth at districts. Keelin Engel was 10th, Tate Welch 11th, and Merrideth Spiers 13th. Keelin Engel was high individual.

The FFA Knowledge team consisted of Lincoln Moore, Aydan Gladstone, Justina Wimer, and Molly Miller. They were 24th at districts. Justina Wimer was high individual.

The Blue & Gold Award went to Jeannie Fletcher. Honorary membership was awarded to Wyatt Criddlebaugh, who student taught under the direction of FFA instructor Josh Smith. The Arthur Knight Scholarship Award, Bev Pickering Scholarship, and Ted Foland Scholarship all went to Haley Hunt.

Trent Gabriel to Represent Worth County FFA at Nationals

Trent Gabriel, a member of the Worth County FFA chapter in Grant City, MO, will be on stage and in the spotlight Oct. 24-27 during the 2018 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
Gabriel, a senior and the son of Brad and Jane Gabriel of Grant City, has been selected to be a member of the National FFA Chorus.

The National FFA Chorus will perform several times during the national convention and expo, adding excitement and motivation to the sessions through their music.

Gabriel will join fellow chorus members in Indianapolis for rehearsals three days before the convention and expo begins.

Mr. Giovanni Walker, director of music with the Stanberry School District, assisted Gabriel with his audition material.

Corteva Agriscience™ Agriculture Division of DowDuPont™ sponsors the National FFA Chorus.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

Haley Hunt Installed as Worth County FFA President

Haley Hunt was installed as Worth County FFA President for the 2018-2019 school year. Other officers include Merrideth Spiers (1st Vice-President), Tate Welch (2nd Vice-President), Keelin Engel (Secretary), Jill Hardy (Treasurer), Jeremy Wimer (Sentinel), EmiLee Brown (Reporter), Megan Cassavaugh (Historian), and Braidy Hunt (Chaplain).

There were 120 Worth County FFA members and guests at the banquet Thursday evening at the school. Keelin Engel was awarded for participating in the FFA Creed Speaking contest. She was also recognized for performing in the State FFA Chorus that performed at the convention. Trent Gabriel was recognized for performing as part of the National FFA Chorus.

Top sellers for the Worth County FFA Fruit Drive last fall were Jill Hardy (1st), Tate Welch (2nd), Will Engel (3rd), and Katelyn Lupfer (4th). Jared Simmons presented the award for the top FFA Fundraiser to Jill Hardy. Scholarships went to Tate Welch, Merrideth Spiers, Jacob New, and Aubrey Ragan.

FFA Leadership Awards went to Keelin Engel, Merrideth Spiers, Haley Hunt, and Shelby Steele.
Greenhand Degrees went to Jill Hardy, Maddie Taute, Andrew Alarcon, Brett Hightshoe, Wyatt Abplanalp, Reid Gabriel, Anna Spainhower, Lane Kemery, Chance Jacobs, Keelin Engel, EmiLee Brown, Allison Larison, Megan Cassavaugh, Tate Welch, Braidy Hunt, Nate Adwell, Madison Blankenship, and Justin Dye. Star Greenhand awards went to Keelin Engel and Tate Welch.

FFA Chapter Degrees went to Anna Gladstone, Lucky Gladstone, Kristin New, Daniel Craven, Jenna Smith, Ethan Thomas, Merrideth Spiers, Johnny Mancuso, Sheila Harker, Dreven Brown, Gage Bever, Avery Gabriel, Dawson White, Rilee Rush, and Katelyn Lupfer. Star Chapter Award went to Merrideth Spiers. Star Chapter Placement went to Dallas Steele. Star Chapter Ag Business went to Will Engel.

FFA Proficiency Awards for various categories went to Shelby Steele, Caleb Parman, Keegan Warner, Devan Jackson, Dallas Steele, Jenna Smith, Jacob New, Olivia Davidson, Mason Hawk, Will Engel, Haley Hunt, Merrideth Spiers, Kristin New, Sheila Harker, Elizabeth Owens, Seth Brown, Avery Gabriel, Anna Gladstone, Jeremy Wimer, Emily Gladstone, Aubrey Ragan, Shelby Steele, and Tevin Cameron. Some got more than one.

Hugh Ross of BTC Bank presented the Chapter Scholarship Award to Sheila Harker. Barb Foland presented the Ted Foland Scholarship to Mason the Hawk. State FFA Degrees, which went to the top 3% of all FFA members statewide, went to Shelby Steele, Seth Brown, Dallas Steele, Will Engel, and Aubrey Ragan. American FFA Degrees, the highest honor one can get in the FFA Organization, went to Rikky Hunt, Jacob Hardy, and Ryan Smyser.

Contest teams were recognized. The Dairy Cattle Team consisted of Tate Welch, Megan Cassavaugh, Allison Larison, and Braidy Hunt. They were third at districts and qualified for state. Tate Welch was fifth at districts and Megan Cassavaugh was seventh. The team placed in the top 15 at state, with Tate Welch placing 15th overall.

The Horses Team consisted of Jill Hardy, Anna Spainhower, EmiLee Brown, and Wyatt Apblanalp. They were fourth in districts, with Jill Hardy finishing 5th overall, Anna Spainhower 9th, and EmiLee Brown 15th. Jill Hardy took high honors.

The Livestock Team was 9th in districts, qualifying them for state. Team members were Haley Hunt, Will Engel, Shelby Steele, and Jeremy Wimer. Engel received high honors.

The Poultry Team was 21st at districts; Liz Owens received high honors. The Horticulture Team was 25th at districts; Olivia Davidson received high honors. The Meats Team finished 13th at districts; Merrideth Spiers received high honors. The Etymology Team was 20th in Districts; Keelin Engel received high honors. The FFA Knowledge Team was 27th in districts; Keelin Engel received high honors.

Hugh Ross presented the Farm Bureau Scholarship to Will Engel and Keegan Warner.

Friends of the FFA Awards went to the Worth County Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Matt Martz, Principal Jon Adwell, Principal Chuck Borey, the Worth County FCCLA, Jonell Cook, April Healy, Tiffany Bliley, Julia Wideman, Pam Parman, Anita McClellan, Kandy Hughes, Blaire Owens, Grant City Hy-Vee, Times-Tribune, Sheridan Express, Merry Spiers, Amy Gladstone, Julie Tracy, Janice Borey, Worth County Young Farmers, Worth County Farm Bureau, Loren Jackson, Jeannie Fletcher, Worth County MFA, Chris Healy, and Jared Simmons. Tiffany Bliley received the Blue & Gold Award, while Merry Spiers was named an honorary member.

The Bev Pickering Scholarship went to Shelby Steele. The Arthur Knight Scholarship went to Dallas Steele.

Keelin Engel Selected for FFA All-State Choir

Keelin Engel has been selected for the FFA All State Choir from Worth County. She is the daughter of Jay and Danielle Engel of Worth. She was one of 180 individuals chosen for the FFA All State Choir. Students will rehearse and perform at the State FFA Convention in Columbia (MO) on April 19th and 20th. They will be performing in front of 8,000 FFA members and guests.

FFA members are selected based on their musical ability through an application process.

Highway Patrol Talks Seat Belt Safety at Worth County Farm Bureau Meeting

Sergeant Jake Angle spoke at the annual Worth County Farm Bureau meeting Thursday night to farm bureau members along with Worth County FFA students. He reported that fatalities were up 50% in Troop H, up to 22. Of these, 16 were in the vehicle; out of those 16, 14 were not wearing their seat belt. He said that the Patrol was pushing for a primary seat belt law in Missouri. Mr. Angle said that in Washington, with a primary seat belt law and a $124 fine, has a 98% seat belt usage rate and had 146 fatalities in 2013. Missouri does not have a primary seat belt law; they have a $10 fine. Missouri's compliance is from 80-83%, which is higher than in recent years, but is still among the lowest in the nation. There were 758 fatalities in 2013. "That is the size of a small town in Missouri," said Angle. He said that Buchanan County had passed a primary seat belt law in its county, meaning that its officers can stop you if they see you're not wearing a seat belt. The fine is still $10.

Mr. Angle said it also reduced the rate of serious injury by 75%. He said that a common myth was that there were situations where a seat belt would kill someone; he said that in 21 years of working accidents, he had never had that happen. By contrast, back in 1999, he and his daughter were in their car when he was driving distracted and pulled into Highway 36 in front of a car traveling at 60 miles per hour. He overturned 1 1/2 times, but because he had a seat belt on and his daughter was in a child safety restraint, they were able to walk away with minor injuries. He said that experience was an eye-opener, and said that distracted driving was the main cause of accidents for ages 15-24. He said that people should take their cell phones, turn them on silent, and put them in their glove boxes. He said that if you take 4.6 seconds to send a text message, you would travel the length of a football field, a lot of distance to take one's eyes off the road.

Missouri has a texting while driving law for people under 21 years. However, Mr. Angle said most other states now have a universal cell phone law. It is already against the law in Missouri for semi-truck drivers to use cell phones.

Following the presentation, Mr. Angle took everyone outside to a demonstration device called a "Seat Belt Converter." It is a device that simulates a head-on collision at 4-5 miles per hour. The impact was still very hard. "I once worked an accident where a farmer in a tractor was going 30 miles per hour and not wearing his seat belt," said Mr. Angle. "He ran off the road and he was thrown from the tractor and killed."

Worth County FFA Competes in Proficiency Awards

Many Worth County FFA members recently competed in Agricultural Proficiency Award areas at the Area II FFA Proficiency Screening.  The Agricultural Proficiency Award Program recognizes excellence in a supervised agricultural experience (S.A.E.) program.  Students who qualify are able to compete at the area, state, and national levels.  Worth County FFA members competed in twenty-one different proficiency categories relating to their individual agricultural project.  Students placing in the top three at the area level will be recognized at the Area II FFA Banquet in April.  Area winners will go on to compete at state competition in April. 

Area Proficiency Award winners from Worth County were Chase Thummel in Beef Production-Placement and Kacey Smyser in Equine Science-Entrepreneurship.  Worth County FFA members placing in the top three at Area included Kristen Chitty in Ag Communications (3^rd), Wyatt Rush in Ag Mechanics Fabrication and Design (3^rd) and Sheep Production (3^rd), Kacey Smyser in Ag Processing (2^nd) and Food Science and Technology (2^nd), Brandon Allee in Ag Services (2^nd), Diversified Livestock Production (2^nd), and Poultry Production (2^nd), Chase Thummel in Diversified Ag Production (2^nd), Diversified Crop Production-Entrepreneurship (2^nd), and Grain Production-Placement (2^nd), Grant Parman in Diversified Horticulture (2^nd), and Shannon White in Small Animal Production and Care (3^rd). 

Other Worth County FFA members competing on the area level included Wyatt Rush in Ag Mechanics Energy Systems and Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance, Chase Thummel in Beef Production-Entrepreneurship and Fiber and Oil Crop Production, and Grant Parman in Landscape Management and Turf Grass Management.

Nine from Worth County Attend FFA Nationals

Worth County FFA members recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN from October 23-26.  Members attending included Lane Craven, Kristen Andrews, Josh Warner, Sydney Thummel, Jared Simmons, Jake Hardy, Rikky Hunt, Danielle Funk, and Kenna Lafollette.  Local FFA members traveled with FFA members from other schools, including Stanberry, Lathrop, North Harrison, and Princeton.  During this event, students were able to partake in educational tours, as well as leadership development and FFA business meetings.  Tour sites included the Cameron Caves, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Dow Agrosciences, and the  Kelsay Dairy Farm.  In addition to convention sessions and the FFA career show, students attended activities sponsored by the National FFA Organization, including a hypnotist show and concert.  This activity provided an excellent opportunity for local FFA members to develop leadership skills and gain insight into the future of the agriculture industry and agriculture education in general.  The purpose of the National FFA Organization is to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for students through agriculture education.

Worth County FFA Grasslands 3rd in Districts

Worth County FFA Grasslands team recently competed at District and State level competitions.  This year’s team included Chase Thummel, Brandon Allee, Sydney Thummel and Jared Simmons.  They competed at the Northwest District Grasslands contest at the Pony Express Wildlife Reserve in St. Joseph on October 4^th.  The team placed 3rd the district competition and went on to compete at the State Grasslands contest in Ashland, MO on October 18^th.  The Grasslands contest requires students to appraise the value of grassland areas by determining soil characteristics, evaluating wildlife capabilities, identifying species of plants present, and determining suitability for beef cattle production.    

Worth County FFA Attends Hundley-Whaley

On Tuesday, September 27, the Worth County FFA chapter attended an Agriscience Field Day hosted at the Hundley-Whaley Research Farm in Albany.  During the event, students rotated between different stations highlighting biological, chemical, and economic scenarios dealing with everyday agriculture.  Each station contained scenarios for problem solving, research, leadership practice, technology usage, and career preparation, among others.  In addition to the hands-on learning opportunities, chapter members were also able to gain knowledge and experience to shape their supervised agricultural experience programs, or S.A.E.'s.  This was a great opportunity for chapter members to explore the futures available in agriculture and agriscience.

Eight FFA Members Travel to Nationals

Worth County FFA members recently attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN from October 18-21. Members attending included Austin Carlson, Chase Thummel, Jared Simmons, Shannon White, Caleb Mace, Grant Parman, Jennifer Runde, and Sydney Thummel. Local FFA members traveled with FFA members from other schools, including Stanberry, Lathrop, North Harrison, and Princeton. During this event, students were able to partake in educational tours, as well as leadership development and FFA business meetings. Tour sites included the Cameron Caves, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Hunter’s Honey Farm. In addition to convention sessions and the FFA career show, students attended activities sponsored by the National FFA Organization, including a hypnotist show and Blake Shelton concert. This activity provided an excellent opportunity for local FFA members to develop leadership skills and gain insight into the future of the agriculture industry and agriculture education in general. The purpose of the National FFA Organization is to develop premier leadership, personal growth, and career success for students through agriculture education.

Worth County Livestock Show to be Held July 21st

The Worth County Livestock Show will be held Thursday, July 21st at the Worth County Fairgrounds. The show will begin with the hogs at 9 a.m., followed by the goats and sheep and then the cattle. There will be a buyers appreciation supper provided by the families at 5:30 followed by the sale at 7. Feel free to show up anytime to see the kids, their projects, and enjoy some good food while supporting the future of agriculture at Worth County.
Donations are still being taken. Supporters can come to the sale and bid on animals, contribute to the sale pool which goes towards bidding on different animals during the sale, making a contribution to the premium fund which will be divided between all the kids showing, and making a donation towards an individual participant. Donations can be sent to Stephanie Hardy, 14431 Kenwood Avenue, Grant City, MO 64456; (660) 562-4036. Please make all checks to Worth County Junior Livestock Sale and specify where you want your money to go.
Kids showing or selling for this year’s event include Megan Cassavaugh, Daniel Craven, Corbin Davis, Will Engel, Danielle Funk, Evan Funk, Jacob Hardy, Jill Hardy, Rikky Hunt, Haley Hunt, Braidy Hunt, Allison Larison, Lindajoy Petersen, Matthew Petersen, Wyatt Rush, Wade Rush, Rilee Rush, Austin Thummel, Chase Thummel, Sydney Thummel, Jacob Wimer, and Jeremy Wimer.

Worth County FFA Competes in Judging Contests

Worth County FFA competed in judging contests at the Northwest District Career Development Events on Tuesday, March 29^th and Wednesday, March 30^th. The Horse Evaluation team, consisting of Austin Thummel, Kacey Smyser, Victoria Rush, and Whitney Harker was the 2^nd place team at the Horse event. Austin Thummel was the 2^nd High Individual of the Horse contest and Kacey Smyser was the 10^th High Individual. This placing qualified the Horse team for state competition. The Livestock Evaluation team, consisting of Chase Thummel, Wyatt Rush, and Brandon Allee, was the 2^nd place team in the Livestock event. Chase Thummel was the High Individual of the Livestock contest and Wyatt Rush was the 6^th High Individual. This placing qualified the Livestock team for state competition. The Meats Evaluation team, consisting of Grant Parman, Shannon White, and Ryan Smith, was the 8^th place team in the Meats event. Grant Parman was the 9^th High Individual of the Meats contest. This placing qualified the Meats team for state competition. The Dairy Cattle Evaluation team, consisting of Aaron Green, Logan Ridge, Travis Troutwine, and Kristen Chitty, was the 10^th place team in the Dairy Cattle event. This team placed as the alternate to the state competition. The Poultry team, consisting of Caleb Mace, Jennifer Runde, Dalton Miller, and Jacob Caddenhead, was the 11^th place team in the Poultry contest. The Soils team, consisting of Patty Evans, Maggie Ueligger, and Molly Ueligger, was the 17^th place team in the Soils contest. The Agronomy team, consisting of Clayton Troutwine, Dallas Greenland, Lane Craven, and Kayleigh Fish, was the 17^th place team in the Agronomy contest. The Livestock, Horses, and Meats teams will be competing at the State FFA Career Development Events in Columbia on April 14-15.