Schweitzer wins Fruit and Nut Proficiency

CONTACT INFORMATION

Columbia, Mo., April 16, 2026 – Cole Schweizer of Savannah won the Missouri FFA Fruit and Nut Proficiency award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Schweitzer, a senior at Savannah R-III High School, is the son of Cory and Allison Schweitzer. He is a member of the Savannah FFA Chapter. His advisors are Jeff Baumann, Jessica Aeschliman and Mikaila Livingston.

As a part of his supervised agriculture experience, Schweizer works at Schweizer Orchard. Through his work at Schweizer Orchard, Schweizer has mastered skills in planting, fertilizing, spraying, harvesting, distributing and selling fruits, all while maintaining quality and productivity. Starting his time at Scheitzer Orchard at the age of five, Schweitzer has gained an abundance of knowledge and experience.

As an FFA member, Schweizer has participated in many different leadership activities, including Agricultural Sales, Parliamentary Procedure, Farm Business Management, and Food Science & Technology. Outside of FFA, Schweizer has also been a part of several extracurriculars, including National Honor Society, track, Eagle Scouts, Fellowship of Christin Athletes and cross country.

After graduation, Schweizer plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia, pursuing a degree in accounting with a minor in agricultural economics. Long term, Schweitzer plans on moving back to the family farm and managing the orchard’s finances as well as overall operation.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Fruit and Nut 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 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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