The future of agriculture in Missouri looks bright if two Warrenton High School students have any say in it. Kelsey Miller, 16, and Bailey Schneider, 15, have spent part of their summer immersed in agriculture leadership training and plan to make a difference with the knowledge they have gained.

Miller, the daughter of Bill and Jennifer Miller, of Jonesburg, recently attended the Missouri Agriculture Business Academy, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Only 30 students were selected from around the state. They were judged on their applications and an oral interview.

Miller said topics included media training for speaking out appropriately about agriculture and learning about Missouri-grown businesses which concentrate on producing their own products that are sold locally or around the world. As a result of her participation, Miller earned a $500 scholarship to the University of Missouri at Columbia for her future use.

“We toured several businesses,” said Miller. “We went to Pacific Lumber, Central Missouri Meat, Select Turf and the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture. We learned about the various divisions and projects they were working on.”

Miller, who works at Davis Meat, found the meat science and inspection topic of value. In addition to raising steers and rabbits, she is a current student council president, sits on the FFA Officer Team, is the treasurer of Camp Branch 4-H Club, is a member of the MO Beef Leadership Academy and the Warren County Cattlemen. Miller also raises and sells a variety of succulent plants.

Bailey Schneider, the daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Schneider, said agriculture is her “biggest passion.” In June she attended Hymax (Helping Youth Maximize Their Ag Experience), where she was placed on a team with eight other students. 

Their mission was to investigate and study an assigned topic. Her team was introduced to “big data,” drones and technology in the industry. She explained that big data, information regarding rainfall, water cycles, or fertilizer requirements, help farmers know what crops might bring the best profitability so they can plan accordingly.

“I learned a lot about public speaking,” said Schneider. “I learned what big data is and why it is important.”

Schneider is currently employed as a dog groomer, but has a long list of other activities, including participating in track and field, trap shooting, DECA, student council, 4-H, Future Business Leaders of America and others. She helps raise crossbreds and Hampshire hogs on the family farm. She plans on attending the University of Missouri at Columbia to study veterinary science.

Both girls also attended the Missouri Pork Institute where they toured the university’s swine farm. Topics covered included biosecurity and preventing diseases that can be spread by animals.

Dan Burkemper, the agriculture inspector and advisor for the students, said the girls are committed to excel in the area of agriculture.

“What they are doing takes hard work and determination,” said Burkemper. “Both of the ladies excel in the components taught in class. They are extremely active, serve on the officer team and take the time to learn. It’s inspiring to see.”