Canton FFA receives Gold Emblem Award, Model of Excellence in Building Communities state winner

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 15, 2026—The Missouri FFA Association awarded the Canton FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem. Canton placed 20th out of 369 chapters and was the Model of Excellence in Building Communities 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 Canton FFA advisor is Lezlie Durst.

The Canton FFA hosted events including Kid Zone, where the chapter worked with seven local 4-H Clubs, Lewis County Extension Youth Program Assistant, Lewis County Farm Bureau, Lewis County Extension, Lewis County Showboard, Lewis County Fair Board and Lewis County 4-H Council to create a safe space for kids to play during the Lewis County Fair and learn about different types of agriculture through hands-on activities.

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.

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