Elsberry FFA entomology team wins state competition

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 17, 2026 – The Elsberry FFA Chapter won the entomology career development event at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention. There were 48 teams in the competition.

The team members include Addie Barber, Cecelia Koch, Will Watts and Melissa Aguilera. Barber placed 1st, Koch placed 2nd, Watts placed 3rd and Aguilera placed 21st out of 186 participants. The Elsberry FFA advisors are Sarah Ray and Jason Vandivort.

The entomology teams take a written exam on pesticide application and safety regulations as well as identify species of insects.

Sponsored by past Missouri FFA State Officers, this CDE is one way the FFA prepares student members for career success. CDEs engage student learning and make a real connection to lifetime goals.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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