Combs receives Honorary State Degree

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 17, 2026 – The Missouri FFA Association named Paul T. Combs, an Honorary State FFA Degree recipient at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Combs is the President of Baker Implement Company, a family-owned retail farm equipment dealership. The company helped fund the youth building at the Southeast Missouri District Fair which is used by multiple FFA Chapters in the area. Combs also supports FFA members each year at the Southeast Missouri District Fair auction.

Combs has dedicated his career to both industry leadership and public service, notably serving as President of the University of Missouri Board of Curators and as a two-term Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. His extensive civic involvement includes leadership roles within several drainage districts, the USA Rice Federation and the Boy Scouts of America alongside his work as a Director for FM Bank & Trust.

The Missouri FFA Association recognizes Honorary State FFA Degree recipients for their valuable efforts and contributions to the FFA organization and its members. Those eligible to receive the Honorary FFA Degree include farmers, school superintendents, principals, members of the board of education, chapter advisors, teachers, staff members in agricultural education, business professionals and others who are helping to advance agricultural education and the FFA.

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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