Chillicothe FFA receives Gold Emblem Award, Model of Excellence in Strengthening Agriculture state winner

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2026—The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Chillicothe FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem. Chillicothe placed 17th out of 369 chapters and was named the Model of Excellence in Strengthening Agriculture state winner.

The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. Chapters improve operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a program of activities emphasizing growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. FCS Financial sponsors this award. The Chillicothe FFA advisors are Neal Wolf, Randy Plattner, Lance Martin, Rhonda Oesch, Carsten Sarbaugh and Michael Slater.

The Chillicothe FFA hosted several impactful activities throughout the year. They organized “Salute to Agriculture,” a luncheon that brought together local farmers and agribusiness leaders while highlighting the future of agriculture. Members also conducted “Farm Safe,” providing important safety training for students working with livestock and equipment. Additionally, the chapter promoted agricultural advocacy through “FFA Corners,” where members created social media and radio content to educate the community about agriculture and FFA opportunities. They also implemented “Litton Crusaders,” an agricultural literacy program that engaged elementary students in hands-on learning about food production and the agriculture industry.

The top Gold Emblem chapters in Missouri will compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced this fall at the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 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.

#  #  #

Click upper-right “Pop-out” icon to download full-sized photo