March 19th, 2026 Local News
Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Agriculture has selected 30 high school sophomores from across the state to participate in the 2026 Missouri Agribusiness Academy.
Among those chosen are two local students: Ellie Hellrich of Fredericktown and Isabella Lowe of Farmington.
The students will spend a week in June in St. Louis, where they will explore a wide range of careers in agriculture while building leadership skills and gaining insight into farming, ranching, and food production.
“We look forward to welcoming the Missouri Agribusiness Academy students each year,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “For nearly 40 years, the Department has hosted some of the state’s brightest young agriculturalists to show them opportunities in many areas of Missouri agriculture. Like their predecessors, these students will lead our industry one day. We are excited to get to know this new class beginning in June.”
Since its founding in 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has provided more than 1,100 students with the opportunity to participate through a competitive application and interview process. The program is designed for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers.
In addition to the summer academy experience, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in Missouri State Fair activities, a winter Legislative Day, and the graduation ceremony held during the 2027 Missouri FFA Convention.