Columbia, Mo., November 12, 2021 – Diane Slater of Auxvasse, Missouri, received the Honorary American FFA Degree during the 2021 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. This award honors people who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.
As Director of Communications for the Missouri Pork Association, she drives programs supporting the next generation in agriculture leadership and opportunities for youth interested in agricultural production. Slater is instrumental in the continued success of Missouri’s FFA Pork Speaking Contest, Pork Ambassadors and the Youth Pork Institute, as well as other educational programs for pork exhibitors in Missouri and surrounding states.
“The National FFA organization was an important part of my introduction to opportunities in agriculture, and I attribute much of my success to the mentors I met during those years,” Slater said. “I’m grateful to follow their example in supporting the next generation, and for Missouri pig farmers’ support of my involvement in these education programs. It’s an honor to share the stage at the 94th National FFA Convention with the next generation of ag leaders.”
She has invested countless hours over the past 17 years mentoring FFA members, evaluating supervised agricultural experience and proficiency award applications, and judging career development events. Slater’s mentorship of high school and college students has directly supported young professionals beginning ag leadership and communications careers.
Slater was a member of the North Callaway FFA Chapter in Kingdom City, Missouri, from 1990-1997. She has served the Missouri Pork Association since 2004.
The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of students, inspiring confidence in a new generation of agriculturists. Members of the National FFA Organization’s board of directors approved the nomination.
All recipients received a plaque and medal, and their names permanently recorded as recipients of the highest FFA honor.
# # #
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. A separately registered nonprofit organization, the foundation is governed by a board of trustees that includes the national FFA president, educators, business leaders and individual donors. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.
About Missouri Pork Association
The Missouri Pork Association represents the state’s pork producers in the areas of promotion, research, education, and public policy. For more information about this or any other programs of the Missouri Pork Association, go to www.mopork.com, or call the Missouri Pork Association office at (573) 445-8375.