Donning the blue jacket
Mizzou student selected as leader of National FFA
Mizzou junior Zach Kinne will serve as president for National FFA, an organization he has been a part of since he was a high school freshman.
Zach Kinne first donned a signature FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) blue corduroy jacket as a freshman in high school. On Oct. 27 in Indianapolis, he was chosen to be the group’s national president.
As an FFA member, Kinne has raised and sold registered Angus seed stock bulls, won state and national semi-final awards in public speaking, and been recognized in dairy judging contests. As the National FFA president, he will travel 100,000 miles to approximately 40 states; meet with FFA members across the country; interact with top leaders in business, government and education; and visit Japan.
"I’m interested in how policy shapes the agriculture industry," says Kinne, a junior in agricultural economics. He plans to pursue a career in agriculture policy.
Kinne is one of six people, selected from a field of 40, to serve in a national office for a year. He will lead the national youth organization of more than half a million student members, who are preparing for leadership and careers in agricultural science, business and technology.
Kinne grew up on a small farm north of Eagleville, Mo. He credits his family and his hometown for inspiring him for this job.
"I saw the value of service to others," he says.
Read more in: Agriculture & the Environment, Beyond Campus