December 11, 2018
Applications Now Available for 32nd Missouri Agribusiness Academy
The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, as well as farm families, throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2019 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA is a competitive program for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers.
“The next generation must be our primary focus in agriculture,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “For more than thirty years, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has introduced students to new, exiting careers in agribusiness and ag technology, inspiring them to stay engaged in Missouri’s No. 1 industry – agriculture.”
This year, the students selected will have the opportunity to learn about the unique opportunities for careers in the Springfield area. The 2019 schedule will be finalized in the spring and will include visits with industry and agribusiness leaders and tours of their facilities.
“The opportunity to take part in MAbA has completely changed the way I look at my future,” said 2018 MAbA Ambassador Riccana Spargo from Naylor, Mo. “It helped me reach the conclusion that I do, in fact, want a career in agriculture. The MAbA tours sparked an untapped interest and new excitement in agribusiness. Everyday, I find myself making connections between what I learned in the academy and my life.”
"The opportunities provided by MAbA are priceless,” said 2018 MAbA Ambassador Kaitlyn Cloud from Carthage, Mo. “My eyes were opened to the vast career opportunities available to me here in my home state. This program is an amazing experience that will make huge impact on your future!"
Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has graduated 930 students through a competitive application and interview process. The 2019 MAbA will be held June 3-7, and marks the program’s 32nd year. Students interested in participating must submit an application by Feb. 1, 2019.
For applications and guidelines, as well as more information on the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, visit the department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
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Contact information for follow-up interviews with 2018 MAbA Ambassadors Kaitlyn Cloud and Ricanna Spargo will be provided upon request.
Photos from the 2018 Missouri Agribusiness Academy can be found on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s flickr account by clicking here.