Missouri Agribusiness Academy

About the Missouri Agribusiness Academy

Agriculture has a tremendous impact on our nation’s economy, and Missouri is at the heart of this industry. It is important that young people carry on the tradition and heritage of those who have made this state the agricultural leader it is today and develop the skills necessary to continue that legacy in the future.

Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA) has awarded 1,140 academy memberships through a competitive application and interview process. To be eligible for the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, students must come from a farming family or be an active member of FFA or 4-H. The 2026 MAbA class will tour agribusinesses, explore educational opportunities, and meet with agricultural leaders in the St. Louis area June 1-5, 2026.

Apply Now! - MAbA Class of 2026

Are you a high school sophomore interested in becoming a future leader in agriculture and your community? Then the Missouri Agribusiness Academy is for you! MAbA is a youth leadership program designed for 30 high school sophomores to explore career opportunities in agribusiness, government and production agriculture. Applications, accompanied by three letters of recommendation, must be submitted no later than Jan. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A link to the application is below.

• Missouri Agribusiness Academy Application

About the Application Process

Applicants are sorted into six geographical regions. Five students from each region will be selected to participate in the Missouri Agribusiness Academy. Students will be evaluated and compared only to the other applicants in their region. Regions correspond with the pre-determined regions set by the Missouri FFA program. See map below.

Missouri Agribusiness Academy District Map

Written applications will be scored by a panel of independent judges. The top 10 applicants per region will move into the semi-final round and will be invited to an in-person interview. Students will be e-mailed about the results of their application by early March. Semi-finalists must attend their regional interview at the date and location listed below. The five applicants with the highest combined application and interview scores from each region will be selected to participate in the Missouri Agribusiness Academy.

2026 MAbA Class - Calendar of Events

*Date and time to be determined closer to date

For questions about the Missouri Agribusiness Academy or the application process, please email maba@mda.mo.gov or call (573) 751-8187.