MU junior to lead Future Farmers
Published Nov. 2, 2007
Future Farmers of America now has an MU student leading its way. Junior Zach Kinne will finish his semester early and begin his duties as the FFA president starting Dec. 1.
FFA is a national youth organization dedicated to developing students' potential for leadership, growth and career success through agricultural education, according to the FFA Web site.
Kinne said he's no stranger to the responsibility his new position entails. He served as president of his North Harrison High School FFA Chapter in Eagleville during high school and then as Missouri FFA president from 2005 to 2006.
"The duties are similar, but on a much larger scale," Kinne said.
He will lead more than half a million members nationwide.
"The realities of it are just starting to set in," Kinne said. "I'm extremely excited."
Kinne has two weeks to finish his classes before his training begins. He said his goals are to educate and promote the organization while providing new opportunities for FFA members.
Kinne's parents were at the Oct. 27 FFA conference in Indianapolis when he was announced president.
"He really does care," said Keith Kinne, Zach Kinne's father. "That's the big thing that motivates him. With Zach, what you see is what you get. He's a real genuine guy."
Keith Kinne said he knew when his son decided to run it was a big decision.
"But we knew he'd do a good job," he said. "He's very passionate about helping others."
A news release from the office of Gov. Matt Blunt said Zach Kinne is the first FFA president from Missouri since the 1930s.
"I congratulate Zach for his outstanding commitment to Missouri agriculture," Gov. Matt Blunt said in the release. "His new position will allow him to take advantage of unprecedented opportunities to meet with top leaders in government, education and business, which I believe will help benefit Missouri and the nation."
Zach Kinne said he plans to pursue a career with agriculture policy.
"I think it's interesting how policy impacts the agriculture industry," he said.
His new position will help him increase his own knowledge of the agriculture industry and build stronger relationships in the agriculture community, Zach Kinne said.