Future farmers stay optimistic while agriculture looks bleak

SEDALIA, Mo. - Kids from all across the state are making the drive to Sedalia to show off their hard work at the Missouri State Fair. Many with an agricultural background are considering it as a vocation, even as they see the struggles the drought is creating for their parents.

Samantha Gibson of Norburn, Mo., was involved with Future Farmers of America all four years of high school. She is about to begin pursing a degree in agriculture journalism at the University of Missouri and said she hopes to take over the family farm one day.

"My roots have always been really planted in agriculture and I know how much passion my dad and grandpa have had," said Gibson.

Despite the difficulties this season has presented, FFA supervisor Steve Rogers said the organization continues to draw interest from young people.

He said teaching students to expect disasters like drought is part of FFA.

"When we talk about this with our students and our teachers as well, we look at the big picture. That there are things you can do to prepare for situations like this, risk management things," said Rogers.

Rogers said FFA is expecting participation of 26,000 youths at 300 schools statewide this fall.