The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) renewed a valuable partnership during a recent session of the 81st Missouri FFA State Convention currently underway at the Hearnes Center on the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, MO.
Expanding on a 10-year tradition, MCGA and MCMC once again donated the use of a Flexible Fuel Vehicle to the Missouri FFA Association in support of their agricultural education mission. In front of a packed house, MCMC chairman, Keith Witt, of Warrenton, MO presented the keys of the graphically-enhanced 2008 Dodge Caravan to Samantha Warner of Archie, MO, the organization’s newly elected 2009-2010 State FFA president.
“These students are the future leaders of our industry,” said Witt. “The FFA organization plays an integral role in their development and Missouri Corn is proud to help add momentum to their success. We hope these students continue to carry their drive and passion for agriculture throughout their careers.”
Equipped with a six-cylinder engine, the Flexible Fuel Vehicle has the capability to run on E85 (a combination of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), regular unleaded gasoline or any blend in between.  As the van is driven by state officers to travel to FFA chapters and events across Missouri, its use will raise awareness of ethanol, a renewable fuel made from corn.
In addition to turning over the keys, Witt also presented the Grain Production Placement and Grain Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Awards to deserving agribusiness entrepreneurs. These two proficiency awards, given out each year at the state FFA convention, are sponsored by MCGA and MCMC.