The Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) reaffirmed its commitment to the future of agriculture by sponsoring two key proficiency award areas at the 97th Missouri FFA State Convention: Diversified Crop Production Placement and Fiber and Oil Crop Production. Through this support, MSMC continues to champion the next generation of leaders and innovators in agriculture by recognizing their achievements and encouraging their continued growth.
“Supporting youth in agriculture is essential to building a strong future for our industry,” said Casey Wasser, interim CEO of Missouri Soybeans. “Our investment in these awards reflects our belief in the importance of education, mentorship and hands-on learning experiences. These students are already contributing meaningfully to agriculture, and we want to ensure they have every opportunity to continue growing.”
Tyler Fenner: Diversified and Driven
Tyler Fenner, a Sweet Springs FFA member, was named the state winner in the Diversified Crop Production Placement category. Fenner’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) spans 3,000 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, along with cattle and hay operations. Working for TC Fenner Farms, he has contributed to every part of the family business — from crop planning and planting to equipment maintenance and harvesting.
In addition to row crops, Fenner’s responsibilities included baling hay, repairing fence, feeding cattle and operating a range of machinery. His ability to manage both crop and livestock operations demonstrates a holistic understanding of modern farming and a work ethic that mirrors the values of Missouri agriculture.
Maycee Thouvenel: Fields Across the Country
The Fiber and Oil Crop Production Proficiency Award went to Maycee Thouvenel of the Versailles FFA chapter. Her SAE takes her well beyond the fields of Missouri. Working for her family’s custom harvesting business, Thouvenel has helped harvest crops such as wheat, soybeans, milo, canola and corn across a wide swath of the Midwest and Plains states — from Oklahoma to North Dakota.
Her role includes grain cart operations, grain elevator interactions and customer communications. Thouvenel’s experience highlights the broad reach of agriculture and emphasizes the role of soybeans and other oil crops in the national and global food and fuel supply chain.
Beyond the Awards
MSMC’s support for FFA and youth in agriculture goes beyond proficiency awards. The organization has a long-standing relationship with Missouri FFA, sponsoring events, engaging in leadership programs and opening the doors of the Center for Soy Innovation in Jefferson City for student tours, training and exposure to real-world ag applications.
Through educational outreach, internships and hands-on engagement, MSMC helps connect students with the full range of career opportunities in the soybean value chain — from the field to the lab to the legislature.
As the agricultural landscape evolves, so too must the ways in which industry leaders support the next generation. For MSMC, that means continuing to champion student success, hands-on learning and excellence recognition.
“Missouri Soybeans is proud to support the work of Missouri FFA and the achievements of students like Tyler and Maycee,” said Wasser. “They represent the best of what agriculture has to offer — hard work, innovation and a commitment to feeding and fueling the world.”
About Missouri FFA
The Missouri FFA has more than 26,000 members representing more than 350 chapters. Ranking as the largest leadership organization nationally, the National FFA Organization has nearly 850,000 members representing 8,995 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
To learn more about Missouri Soybeans’ support for education and youth programs, visit mosoy.org.
