Missouri Department of Agriculture staff work with Missouri youth, encouraging them to pursue agricultural degrees and career choices through programs such as the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, the Missouri Youth Livestock Grading and Judging Contest, Building Our American Communities (BOAC) grants and scholarships.

Below is a list of some of the ways youth can connect.

Building Our American Communities (BOAC) Grants Program

This program provides Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters grants each year for projects aimed at developing and advancing Missouri’s rural communities. Learn more ...

Large Animal Veterinary Student Loan Program

This program was established to assist students currently enrolled or students that have been accepted into the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine with their financial burden. Learn more ...

Livestock Grading & Judging

The Missouri Youth Livestock Grading & Judging Workshop is an educational activity with explanation of USDA grades, traditional judging and keep/cull classes by USDA, Animal Science and Extension personnel through the use of slides and demonstration animals. The Annual Missouri Youth Livestock Grading & Judging Contest is designed to improve Missouri’s livestock by teaching youth and adults how to evaluate live animals by applying USDA grade standards.

Missouri Agribusiness Academy

The Missouri Agribusiness Academy is a youth leadership program designed for high school sophomores to explore career opportunities in agribusiness, government and production agriculture. Learn more ...

Life Sciences Quest

The Life Sciences Quest summer academy teaches urban and suburban high school students about agriculture, biotechnology and life sciences. This competitive program is a joint venture between the Missouri Department of Agriculture and the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources. Learn more...