Miller is state winner in fruit and nut production proficiency award area

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 18, 2024 – Payton Miller of Newtown won the Missouri FFA Fruit and Nut Production Proficiency Award at the 96th Missouri FFA Convention. 

Miller, a senior at Newtown-Harris High School, is the son of Matt and Samantha Miller. He is a member of the Newton-Harris FFA Chapter. His advisor is Stephanie Oaks.

Miller’s supervised agricultural experience program involves employment at an elderberry farm that is in cooperation with Natural Resources Conservation Service. His responsibilities include planting and harvesting elderberries. 

As an FFA member, Miller has competed in multiple career development events and attended the Washington Leadership Conference. In addition to FFA, Miller is a member of his school’s basketball, track, football, and baseball teams. 

After graduating high school, Miller’s plans include studying conservation at North Central Missouri College. He hopes to one day own and operate a small farm operation. 

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Fruit Production is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. The Missouri State Horticulture Society sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA has 26,830 members representing 362 chapters. The national organization has more than 945,000 members representing 9,163 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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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