Owens wins Agriscience Research Plant Systems Proficiency

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COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2026 – Karmyn A. Owens of Foley won the Missouri FFA Agriscience Research – Plant Systems Proficiency Award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Owens, a senior at Troy Buchanan High School, is the daughter of John Owens and Mary Colvin. She is a member of the Troy FFA Chapter. Her advisors are Rob Calvin, Evan Lagemann, and Matt McCory.

Owens’ supervised agricultural experience is centered on an agriscience research project studying the effects of rooting hormone on plant propagation in spider plants and wandering jews. Her experiment utilized 32 total cuttings grown in both soil and water environments, with treated and untreated control groups to measure differences in root development. Throughout the project, she collected data on root length, number of roots and overall plant health while maintaining consistent environmental conditions to ensure accurate results.

Owens gained hands-on experience in scientific research methods, plant propagation techniques and controlled experimental design. She developed skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation, as well as greenhouse management and plant care. Her findings demonstrated the impact of rooting hormone on improving root growth and overall plant development, strengthening her understanding of plant systems and agriscience research practices.

Owens has been an active FFA member since 2023 and has participated in agricultural education coursework throughout high school. Her experiences in agriscience research have strengthened her interest in pursuing a future career in the medical field, where she plans to apply her skills in observation, analysis and scientific inquiry to healthcare and biological sciences.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees, or researchers while gaining real-world, hands-on experience in agriculture. Agriscience Research – Plant Systems is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. FMC Corporation sponsors 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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