Versailles FFA Empowers the Next Generation Through Ag Moves
By Lauren Quinlan
When Morgan Looten discovered Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) during her second year teaching agriculture at Morgan County R-II High School in Versailles, she quickly realized it was a program she wanted to join.
“I wanted our FFA chapter to become more involved and connected with our school district, and I thought this was the perfect first step,” Morgan says. “Enrolling took about five minutes, and a few days later, all of the supplies arrived at our school.”
Approximately 10% of Versailles FFA members have a direct tie to agriculture. Therefore, partnering with Ag Moves is a valuable avenue for these members in Agri-Ready Designated Morgan County — and others across the state — to build their confidence, develop lasting relationships, and establish farm-to-table connections.
“I have seen Ag Moves take shy and nervous students and turn them into outstanding young educators,” says Morgan, who’s now in her fourth year as the Versailles FFA advisor. “When I first introduce this program at the start of the school year, I always get a lot of nervous groans and complaints. However, after our first visit, the members are so excited and can’t wait for our next trip to the elementary school. By the end of the year, they’re rockstars.”
During the fall 2025 semester, Versailles FFA Partner Educators Andrew Schad and Drew Lagneau led 30 third grade students through 10 interactive Ag Moves lessons about crops and soil science, livestock production, nutrition, and agriculture-focused careers. Each lesson aligned with Missouri state learning standards and featured a hands-on activity.
“My favorite part of Ag Moves is being a role model for younger generations,” Drew says. “It has prepared me for many things I will use in my future job, in college, or in any other area of my life.”
Hard Work Pays Off
Halfway through the semester, Morgan, Andrew, and Drew received a special request: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe wanted to visit their school and join an Ag Moves lesson from start to finish.
“We practiced many times, and I felt comfortable with the material prior to doing the lesson,” Andrew says. “The day was a lot of fun, and I’m glad I got to be a part of it.”
After listening to Andrew and Drew present about dairy cattle production, the Kehoes, joined by Missouri Representative Willard Haley and Morgan County R-II administrators, made homemade butter with participating students. Governor Kehoe shared stories from his cattle ranch, highlighted the importance of Missouri’s agriculture industry, and engaged in a short Q&A session about his roles and responsibilities as governor.
“Claudia and I are proud to have seen the Ag Education on the Move program in action in Morgan County,” Governor Kehoe says. “This program, in partnership with Missouri Farmers Care, empowers FFA members across the state to showcase their leadership skills through agriculture education. It truly is the next generation teaching the next generation.”
In addition to showcasing the Versailles FFA Chapter’s continued commitment to creating engaging educational experiences, the impacts of Governor and First Lady Kehoe’s visit extend beyond the classroom walls.
“It left a lasting sense of pride and validation for our school and community,” says Morgan County R-II High School Principal Ryan Marriott. “It brought positive attention to our agriculture program, and it reinforced the importance of agricultural education and public school education.”
Get Involved
Interested in bringing hands-on agricultural education to your school and community? Explore Ag Moves’ FFA and 4-H partnership program, which includes a four-step roadmap to success.
What Is Ag Moves? Ag Moves is a series of 10 STEM-focused, hands-on lessons for elementary students that explore crops, livestock, soil and water conservation, nutrition, and careers in agriculture. The lessons align with Missouri state learning objectives in science, math, social studies, and language arts and show students how agriculture is entwined in their daily lives. Lessons are delivered to classrooms by passionate FFA members, professional educators and collegiate interns. Curriculum, materials, and trained educators are supplied at no cost to participating schools by the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation.
2025 Ag Moves By the Numbers: Ag Moves engaged 13,682 elementary students in 2025, reaching one in six Missouri third graders. 952 FFA partner educators played a vital role in sharing Ag Moves with 219 schools.