Matthews of Fredericktown FFA Chapter named State Star in Agribusiness

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 25, 2025 — The Missouri FFA Association recognized Pakey Matthews of the Fredericktown FFA Chapter as the State Star in Agribusiness at the 97th Missouri FFA Convention. He is the son of Rodney and Lisa Matthews of Fredericktown. His advisors are Rusty Allgier, Savannah Akers, and Laura Bittle.

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

American Family Insurance sponsors the 16 State Star in Agribusiness awards as well as the State Star in Agribusiness Award.

Matthews’ supervised agricultural experience program began in 2015 with the purchase of his first bottle calf. Over time, he expanded his herd and diversified into other livestock including Shropshire sheep and mini Highland cattle. His involvement in livestock shows and exotic sales sparked an interest in niche markets, leading him to buy and resell animals such as chickens, goats, mini donkeys, alpacas, and parrots. Matthews also ventured into the reptile industry, purchasing and shipping reptiles nationwide through partnerships with suppliers and Morph Market. Today, he manages over 200 reptiles and a wide variety of small livestock and pet animals.

As an FFA member, Matthews has served as Area XV Vice President, chapter President, and chapter Treasurer. In addition to FFA, Matthews is a member of the National Honor Society, Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association. National Junior Angus Association, Olde English Southdown Babydoll Sheep Registry, and the American Quarter Horse Association.

The Missouri FFA has 26,900 members representing 365 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,027,273 members representing 9,235 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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