Three Area Students Selected for Missouri Agribusiness Academy

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The Missouri Department of Agriculture has announced that three high school sophomores from the local area - Emerson Eckler of Centralia, Maggie Reed of Green Ridge, and Brody Swindler of Norborne - will be among the 30 students taking part in this summer's Missouri Agribusiness Academy. The week-long program in St. Louis will allow students to explore careers in agriculture, build leadership skills, and learn more about farming, ranching, and food production.

Why it matters

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy has provided over 1,100 opportunities since 1988 for Missouri FFA and 4-H members to gain hands-on experience and exposure to agriculture-related college degrees and careers. Developing the next generation of agricultural leaders is crucial for the future of Missouri's farming and food production industries.

The details

During the June program, academy participants will take part in activities at the Missouri State Fair and a winter Legislative Day at the state capitol. The 30 students selected this year come from communities across Missouri, including Milan, Mountain Grove, Cassville, Creighton, Salem, Bois D'Arc, Centralia, Adrian, Hermann, Perryville, Gower, Friedheim, Fredericktown, East Prairie, Weston, Ava, Farmington, Pleasant Hill, Smithville, Bolivar, Harris, Green Ridge, Savannah, Strafford, Kirksville, Warrenton, Raymondville, St. James, and Norborne.

• The Missouri Agribusiness Academy has been running since 1988.
• This year's academy will take place in June 2026.

What’s next

The 30 selected students will participate in the week-long Missouri Agribusiness Academy program in St. Louis in June 2026, which will include activities at the Missouri State Fair and a winter Legislative Day at the state capitol.