Fairfax FFA officers Avery Fast and Brenna Kingery took part in the Northwest Missouri Young Farmers Summer Tour July 27, 2026. One of the stops on the tour was Beemer Fisheries, where the girls gained insight into the aquaculture industry and learned about fish production and management. (FFA Advisor Ethan Riley photos)
By Avery Fast, Fairfax FFA Reporter
Fairfax FFA officers Brenna Kingery and Avery Fast represented the Fairfax FFA Chapter at the Northwest Missouri Young Farmers Summer Tour on July 27, 2026. Accompanied by Fairfax FFA Advisor Ethan Riley, the students participated in a day of educational experiences focused on exploring agricultural careers, innovation, and industry opportunities throughout North-west Missouri.
The tour included visits to several local businesses and organizations that contribute to the region’s agricultural community. Participants began their day at Silver Spur Salers, learning about their production of Salers and Red Angus cattle and how they use agricultural technologies to produce high quality, yet affordable cattle. This was followed by a tour of Kawasaki, where they explored advanced manufacturing processes and saw firsthand how technology and precision play a vital role in supporting modern agriculture and industry. The final stop of the morning was Lettuce Dream, where the students were shown how they work with people with disabilities at their greenhouses, all while growing lettuce and helping these individuals find jobs out in the world.
The afternoon tours began with a tour of Houston PolyTank, where they showed up-close the process of building poly tanks that are used for a wide variety of uses across the country. The group also toured Beemer Fisheries, gaining insight into the aquaculture industry and learning about fish production and management. The final stop was Northwest Missouri State University’s RT Wright Farm, where they learned about agricultural education, research, and hands-on learning opportunities that prepare students for future careers in agriculture.
The Northwest Missouri Young Farmers Summer Tour provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect with agricultural professionals, explore diverse career pathways, and gain a deeper understanding of the many opportunities available within the agriculture industry.
The Fairfax FFA Chapter appreciates the opportunity for its officers to participate in experiences that strengthen their agricultural knowledge, leadership skills, and understanding of career opportunities within the industry. Brenna Kingery’s and Avery Fast’s participation in the Northwest Missouri Young Farmers Summer Tour highlights the importance of hands-on learning and connecting students with the many pathways available in agriculture.
The tour also included a stop at and Lettuce Dream, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to grow lettuce to sell.
