Representative Kent Haden recently welcomed constituent Grant Norfleet, a senior at the University of Missouri, to the Missouri State Capitol in recognition of his newly appointed role as the National FFA Secretary.

Originally known as Future Farmers of America, the organization was founded by a group of young farmers who met in Kansas City in 1928 to usher in a new era in agricultural education. The FFA changed its name to the National FFA Organization to better reflect a wider focus on members wishing to enter into agricultural careers as teachers, scientists, business people, and of course the traditional production farmers. The FFA has a history of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Norfleet is one of six student FFA members that were selected to represent the organization in a national role. His primary responsibilities as the National FFA secretary are to participate in local, state, national, and international activities in a way that will inform, motivate, and inspire others to achieve the organization’s mission, strategies, and core goals. As a newly selected national officer, Norfleet will dedicate one year of service to the National FFA Organization. Most of the service year will involve representing student membership during meetings with the National FFA Board of Directors, facilitating workshops that bring leadership and knowledge to FFA members, delivering motivational speeches, and advocating for FFA on a global scale.

Representative Haden, having worked for the Missouri Department of Agriculture and is a member of Missouri Pork Producers and has served as State FFA officer and has worked with Grant as he rose through the ranks in both 4-H and FFA, was ecstatic to have him as a very special guest to the Capitol. After the esteemed party gave their informative and motivational speech on the House dais, Haden, R-Mexico, stated, "It is with the utmost pride that I stand before the members of this body today to recognize this young farmer from my district. Farmers are the backbone of this country. I am blown away by Grant’s tenacity and work ethic. He is deserving of this national platform, and I know he will represent the organization and his state with class. Grant represents the best of our state.”

Rep. Kent Haden, a Republican, represents parts of Callaway, Monroe, and Audrain Counties (District 43) in the Missouri House of Representatives. Rep. Haden was elected in November 2018. For more information, please contact Rep. Haden at 573-751-3649 or by email at Kent.Haden@house.mo.gov