Keene of Columbia FFA Chapter named State Star in Placement

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 21, 2023 – The Missouri FFA Association recognized Jack Keene of the Columbia FFA Chapter as the State Star in Placement at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention. His parents are Michael and Teresa Keene of Columbia. His advisors are Taylor Howell, Kevin Duncan, Jacob Rahmer, Matthew Praiswater, Austin DeHaven, and Sherie Rodekohr.

State Stars in Placement are selected based upon outstanding achievement in work experience in an agricultural business as a part of a student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA.

American Family Insurance sponsors the State Star in Placement Award.

Keene’s SAE consists of working for Frank/Hazelrigg Cattle Company (FHCC). His responsibilities include cattle herd management, feeding, and veterinary care. Keene also assists with artificial insemination, genomic testing, and recordkeeping for the herd. In addition to his employment at FHCC, he manages his own lawn care business and a small herd of Angus cattle. He has also worked at the Missouri State Fair’s Missouri Grown Bistro.

As an FFA member, Keene has served as chapter treasurer and reporter. He has also competed in the dairy cattle evaluation and agricultural mechanics career development events. Keene has attended the Lead, Educate, Advance, Develop Conference for Chapter Officers (LEAD), the Missouri FFA Convention and the National FFA Convention & Expo.

In addition to FFA, Keene has served as the Columbia Conservation Club president, Shaw-Harg 4-H Club treasurer, and the National Honor Society treasurer. He is also a member of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri Angus Association.

After high school graduation, Keene plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia to study animal science with an emphasis in cattle genetics. After graduation, he intends to have a career in cattle genetics and grow his cattle herd.

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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