Braden Graves of Fairfax, Missouri, was one of 30 high school sophomores recently selected to participate in the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). Graves and the other students selected will spend several days in June in the Mid-Missouri area learning about many of the unique opportunities available in agriculture.

“Giving back to agriculture is important and we’re thrilled to contribute to the future of agriculture through MAbA,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.

Graves, the son of Jon and Beth Graves, is a sophomore at Fairfax High School, where he is an active member of the Fairfax FFA Chapter.

The MAbA class will convene June 7 in Jefferson City. After an overview and tour of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the students will travel around Mid-Missouri over the next several days. During the 2021 Missouri Agribusiness Academy, the students will visit agriculture businesses and learn about career opportunities in animal health, production agriculture and more.

Since 1988, the Missouri Agribusiness Academy has awarded more than 990 academy memberships through a competitive application and interview process for high school sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related college degrees and careers.

To be eligible for the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, students must come from a farming family or be an active member of the National FFA organization or 4-H.

For more information on the Department of Agriculture, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.