Media contact:
Misti Preston
Phone: (573) 751-8596
Misti.Preston@mda.mo.gov

For Immediate Release: June 12, 2007

Director of Agriculture Discusses the Future of Agriculture with Selected Students

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – This week, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Katie Smith met with the Missouri Agribusiness Academy members to discuss the future of agriculture and welcome them to the 20^th class of the department’s annual academy. Thirty high school sophomores from across the state were selected to participate in the leadership academy that acquaints students with career opportunities available in agriculture offering them a chance to explore the agribusinesses resources the state has to offer.

“The agricultural industry is full of career opportunities for young people to pursue,” said Katie Smith. “The Missouri Agribusiness Academy is a great chance for young leaders to gain a great deal of industry knowledge to use in making career choices.”

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy, established in 1988, annually awards academy memberships to 30 Missouri high school sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers. Students are selected through a competitive written application and oral interview process.

“Through the years, the Department of Agriculture has noted that almost all of our academy graduates have pursued careers in agriculture which is wonderful news for our industry,” said Smith. “We want to make sure that we encourage our youth to continue to choose agricultural futures and the Agribusiness Academy is a great tool in doing so.”

This week, academy members are touring agribusiness operations in the Springfield area and will be introduced to leaders in agriculture, government and education. Members will also be guests at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture.

For more information regarding the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, visit www.mda.mo.gov.

*Editor's Note:  Photos of the 2007 Missouri Agribusiness Academy members are available by visiting www.mda.mo.gov/Market/agribusacademy.htm.

[ Print | Back ]