Tractor drive highlights state support for FFA and its 27,000 members
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe proclaimed February 21-28, 2026, as National FFA Week in Missouri, honoring the more than 27,000 Missouri FFA members who represent the future of the state’s top economic driver.
Governor 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. Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, a fifth-generation farmer, drove a Case IH tractor and was joined by Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Commissioner Karla Eslinger, who lives on the family farm in Ozark County.
Ms. Elwell, from the LaMonte FFA Chapter, accepted the governor’s proclamation on the steps of the Missouri State Capitol on behalf of the 2025-2026 Missouri FFA State Officer Team.
“Missouri’s strength begins on our farms, in our classrooms, and with our communities,” said Governor Kehoe. “National FFA Week is an opportunity to celebrate students and an organization that brings all three together; developing the leadership, skills, and character that will guide our state’s leading industry. As first-generation farmers, Claudia and I are proud to stand with these young leaders and recognize the bright future they represent for Missouri.”
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.
“We are proud to recognize National FFA Week and celebrate a tremendous youth leadership organization with its roots right here in Missouri,” said Director Chinn. “The 27,000 FFA students across Missouri will lead our state’s farms, ranches, agribusinesses, and communities in the years to come. I always enjoy spending time with Missouri FFA members.”
“Career and technical student organizations like FFA are building the leaders of tomorrow,” Commissioner Eslinger said. “FFA students develop high-demand, industry-validated skills to meet the needs of employers and grow Missouri’s future economy.”
Through agriculture education, members are encouraged to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. 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 industry.
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
