College of the Ozarks agriculture department hosts its annual National FFA Organization Workshop.

On March 1, 2025, the College of the Ozarks agriculture department hosted its annual, national Future Farmers of America Workshop. High school students from all over Missouri and Arkansas attended the workshop.

This workshop is an opportunity for high school FFA students to develop their critical thinking and leadership skills while sharpening their contest abilities. Throughout the workshop, C of O students shared the knowledge and skills they have gained through their education and work experiences on campus. C of O students also served as judges and proctors for the events. The goal was to create an interactive experience that would teach practical skills and challenge the FFA students’ knowledge. They participated in a variety of workshops and contests such as floriculture, farm management, agronomy, nursery/landscaping, entomology, meats, public speaking, horse judging, dairy cattle, dairy foods, livestock judging, forestry, soils, and poultry.

Student workers and supervisors of the beef farm, hog farm, processing plant, agronomy, feed mill, dairy, and greenhouse/garden workstations collaborate to make the FFA Workshop successful.

The student workers and supervisors of the beef farm, hog farm, processing plant, agronomy, feed mill, dairy, and greenhouse/garden workstations collaborated to make the FFA Workshop successful.

“Workshops like these are important because it teaches students about teamwork and how to be confident in themselves and in their knowledge,” said Kristin Baumgardner, animal science major.

“It’s important to know where your food comes from,” said Claire Chesney, animal science and pre-veterinary major. “Even if these students don’t go into agriculture, FFA fosters healthy competition in multiple areas, which prepares them for whatever major they choose.”

High school participants engage in a variety of workshops and contests such as floriculture, farm management, agronomy, nursery/landscaping, entomology, meats, public speaking, horse judging, dairy cattle, dairy foods, livestock judging, forestry, soils, and poultry.

“The hands-on experience helps students engage with the knowledge content,” said Tammy Holder, general farm manager and agronomy professor. “The goal of the workshop is to help local high school teachers educate their students with the knowledge needed in various agricultural career areas. The workshop allows our students a chance to showcase what they are learning in their classes and in their workstation, and it provides a setting where students can learn and ask questions from experts in that field.”

Trent Satterfield (left), senior elementary education major and Olivia Hunter (right), junior agriculture education major, help oversee the meats competition in Plaster Hall.

More About the Agriculture Department at College of the Ozarks

The agriculture department offers majors in agriculture business, animal science, horticulture, agriculture education, agronomy, agriculture development, pre-veterinary, and wildlife conservation and management. With agriculture being a dynamic and diversified field, students are trained in the liberal arts as well as the scientific and practical components of agricultural production. The educational experience includes a strong academic program coupled with experiences in on-campus farm production, farm management, and industry internships.

C of O students and faculty educate hundreds of high school students on the science of agriculture and judge the workshops and competitions.

The Work Education Program also provides students earning an agriculture degree with the opportunity to get real-world experience at one of the College’s operating farms. Students of the agriculture school produce products – including dairy, beef, fruit, and vegetables – to be used in the kitchen at The Keeter Center, C of O’s restaurant, ice cream shop, and bakery.