Funds sought for new FFA building

Funds sought for new FFA building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds

What started as a dream in December of 1998 will be a reality in August of 2002…a new climate controlled FFA Building on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Missouri FFA has had a steady

increase in membership the last 14 years and boasts 22,000 active members. This positive growth has put a strain on the present building FFA occupies on the Fairgrounds.

The seed for the idea of a new FFA Building on the Fairgrounds was planted in 1998 and took root in January 2001 when Farm Credit Services made a major financial pledge toward the project. In June 2001, MFA Inc., and MFA Oil came on board with a generous pledge.

FFA’s mission is dedicated to making a positive difference in young people’s lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Missouri State Fair is the perfect venue for FFA members to lead, grow and learn.

At the 2001 Missouri State Fair, FFA youth from across the state had 7,707 entries in various competitions. For example, 69 schools had 503 entries in the Ag Mechanics competition and 77 schools had 1,891 entries in the Field Crops competition. Approximately 15 to 20 Area and State FFA officers manage the FFA building every day of the Fair and around 80 Agricultural Education teachers assist with all the various competitions.

Lowell Mohler, Missouri Director of Agriculture and Chair of the Missouri State Fair Commission, said, “As with any successful project, it has taken many dedicated and enthusiastic individuals and companies to bring the FFA Building to this point. Nip Neidert, formerly of Learfield Communications, has been instrumental in helping us get the word out. We really appreciate Farm Credit Services, MFA Inc. and MFA Oil for pledging their lead gifts. With the

support from FFA members and others, we will have a new FFA Building for our 100th Fair in August of 2002.”

The total cost of the 8,000 square foot building is $420,000. The building will include exhibit space and a central location in relation to the Swine and Sheep pavilions. It will be insulated, air

conditioned, and heated and the location will allow Ag Mechanics exhibits to be located at the same site as the building. It also will have a 10 foot covered overhang along the full length of the

back of the building for Field Crops and small Ag Mechanics entries. But perhaps the best feature the building offers is its availability to the FFA throughout the year for Area and District FFA and MVATA activities.

All but $50,000 has been pledged to date. Currently, the 270 FFA Chapters across Missouri are busy raising these final dollars to make this facility possible. They have been asked to raise a

minimum of $2 per chapter member. Many FFA Chapters are taking this project to the next level and asking individuals, companies and groups in their communities to get involved and pledge their financial support.

If FFA members are successful in raising additional dollars over that which is required., the money will be used to make some added enhancements to the building. Terry Heiman, Director Agricultural Education Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, said, “We are very excited to be involved with this project. It will be a wonderful facility for FFA members to utilize during the Fair and throughout the year.”

All contributors will receive recognition inside the building. A ribbon cutting is being planned that will be held Thursday, Aug. 15, during the 2002 Missouri State Fair scheduled for Aug. 8-18

in Sedalia.

The completion of this project will help FFA youth in Missouri to fulfill the organization’s motto: Leaning to Do; Doing to Learn; Earning to Live; Living to Serve. Any company, group or individual interested in obtaining additional information or in making a donation should contact their local high school FFA Advisor or Terry Heiman at 573-751-3544 or Jim Bellis, Supervisor Agricultural Education Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, at 417-678-5467.