Keene named state winner in beef production-placement proficiency award area

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 20, 2023 – Jack Keene of Columbia won the Missouri FFA Beef Production-Placement Proficiency Award at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

Keene, a senior at Muriel Williams Battle High School, is the son of Michael and Teresa Keene. He is a member of the Columbia FFA Chapter. His chapter advisors are Taylor Howell, Jacob Rahmer, Matthew Praiswater, Austin DeHaven, Kevin Duncan, and Sherie Rodekohr.

Keene’s supervised agricultural experience program consists of working for Frank Hazelrigg Cattle Company (FHCC). At the beginning of his work with FHCC, he simply cleaned, built, and repaired fences. Eventually, his responsibilities expanded into helping manage the cattle herd, feeding, and doctoring cattle. Keene also assists with artificial insemination and synchronization of the cattle herd.

As an FFA member, Keene has attended the National Day of Service at the National FFA Convention & Expo, the MIssouri FFA Convention, and Lead, Educate, Advance, Develop Conference for Chapter Officers (LEAD). He has also participated in trap shooting on the state level.

Outside of FFA, Keene serves as the Columbia Conservation Club president, Shaw-Harg 4-H Club treasurer, and the National Honor Society treasurer.

After graduating high school, Keene plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study animal science and cattle genetics. He plans to work as a geneticist with the American Angus Association after completing his studies.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees, or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Beef production-placement is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level.

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA has 26,716 members representing 356 chapters. The national organization has more than 850,000 members representing 8,995 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The 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.

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