Phillips wins Specialty Animal Production Proficiency

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2026 – Miley Phillips of East Prairie won the Missouri FFA Specialty Animal Production Proficiency Award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Phillips, a senior at East Prairie High School, is the daughter of Jay and Nicole Phillips. She is a member of the East Prairie FFA Chapter. Her advisor is Rylyn Small.

Phillips’ supervised agricultural experience combines both placement and entrepreneurship through her work with Show-Me Safari and her own livestock production. She assists in the care and management of more than 30 species of exotic animals, traveling nationwide to fairs and festivals where she is responsible for feeding, health monitoring, exhibit setup and education to the public on animal care and safety. In addition, she operates her own livestock operation, marketing genetics and specialty animals including registered mini cattle.

As an FFA member, Phillips has been actively involved in her chapter and has participated in a variety of career development events and agricultural activities. She has also been involved in community and school organizations while also gaining hands-on experiences through livestock shows, leadership opportunities and agricultural events.

After graduation, Phillips plans to continue her education in animal science or a related field. She hopes to build on her experience in the specialty animal industry by expanding her family’s business or pursuing a career in animal care, wildlife management or agritourism.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Specialty Animal Production is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. Stoddard County Seed and Feed 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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