Governor Celebrates National FFA Week at State Capitol

Missouri FFA has over 27,000 members representing the future of the state's top economic driver.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Governor Mike Kehoe has proclaimed February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Week in Missouri, honoring the more than 27,000 Missouri FFA members. Kehoe, accompanied by Missouri FFA President Ivy Elwell, kicked off the day by driving a John Deere tractor from the Governor's Mansion to the Capitol, in celebration of FFA's longstanding tradition of students driving their tractors to school during National FFA Week.

Why it matters

FFA continues to help the next generation rise to meet the challenges of feeding a growing population while also reflecting the new opportunities and diversification of the agriculture industry, which is a key economic driver for Missouri.

The details

In 1928, 33 young men gathered at the Baltimore Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, to establish the National Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA). Nearly a century later, now officially known as the National FFA Organization, it has grown to include 9,235 chapters and 1,027,173 members nationwide. Missouri is home to 365 chapters and more than 27,000 members, ranking 11th nationally for membership.

  • On February 21-28, 2026, Governor Mike Kehoe proclaimed as National FFA Week in Missouri.

The players

Governor Mike Kehoe

The Governor of Missouri who proclaimed February 21-28, 2026 as National FFA Week in the state.

Ivy Elwell

The President of the Missouri FFA.

Chris Chinn

The Missouri Director of Agriculture.

Karla Eslinger

The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Commissioner who lives on a family farm in Ozark County.

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The takeaway

FFA's growth over nearly a century demonstrates its continued relevance in preparing the next generation of leaders for Missouri's vital agriculture industry, which is the state's top economic driver.