FARMING STILL IN FUTURE FOR MANY FFA MEMBERS

Nathan Adams was born and raised on a dairy farm in Gordonville. He plans to return to the farm after college. No doubts and no questions in his mind.

Adams was among about 400 Future Farmers of America members from Southeast Missouri high schools who attended a motivational conference Wednesday featuring national FFA officers. The conference was held at Southeast Missouri State University.

National officers wanted to introduce new FFA members to careers in agriculture.

National FFA President Corey Flournoy, born and raised in Chicago, is the organization's first black president. He has never lived on a farm but sees agriculture as a growth industry in the future. Much of the growth will be in areas of research, product development and marketing, he said.

"There are a lot of opportunities out there that people don't even think about," Flournoy said.

Adams knows he will be a farmer. He also knows he has a lot to learn. A college degree is virtually mandatory for operating a farm, he said.

Andy Cook of Burfordville agreed. "You need classes to learn how to even operate the tractors today; they are so computerized," said Cook.

For Cook, life on the farm sounds more appealing than a job in the city. "I want to raise my kids on a farm," he said. "There is clean air and you work out in the open."

James Aufdenburg, who also lives on a farm near Burfordville, said family farms are here to stay, but farmers must work smarter. "You have to learn about crops and animals and also about economics and marketing," he said.

Annette Ruesler of Jackson is a city resident who sees her future in agriculture. She plans a career in agriculture marketing, helping sell products to consumers.

Matt Mills of Dexter said, "You can call me a farmer." His family grows crops like corn and soybeans, but he plans a career in agriculture law.

Terri Lashley of Farmington said she wants to farm and raise horses. "I may have to have another job too, but I can do it."

Margaret Rausch of Perryville serves as Missouri FFA vice president. A freshman at the University of Missouri-Columbia, she is studying agronomy.

"I hope to be a plant breeder and work with genetics," she said. Rausch also raises about 50 head of sheep.

She traces her goals for leadership in FFA and a career in agriculture to a motivational conference like the one held Wednesday.

"It helped me set goals and really hit on leadership," she said. "I hope these students will be inspired enough to set goals for themselves."