Ruby Hinds of West Plains is one of 30 high school seniors from across Missouri to complete the ninth annual Helping Youth Prepare for Excellence (H.Y.P.E.) FFA Academy that was held June 27 through 29 in Jefferson City. more

Missouri junior Angus members, including Blake Freeman of Koshkonong, led 113 entries at the 2023 Missouri Junior Angus Preview Show at the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association All-Breeds Show, held June 10 in Sedalia. Randy Mullinix, Toulan, Ill., evaluated five bred-and-owned bulls, 70 owned females, 35 bred-and-owned females, one cow-calf pair and two steers before naming the champions. more

The West Plains FFA held its annual banquet May 5. Several awards and honors were given that night, including Star Greenhand Degrees, Star Chapter Degrees, Honorary Degrees, leadership medals, scholarship medals and college scholarships, said Adviser Tonya Jedlicka, who shared the highlights to follow.    more

Area Future Farmers of America (FFA) members who want to continue their affiliation with the agriculture education organization following high school graduation can do so now through a new alumni and supporters chapter at Missouri State University-West Plains. more

Willow Springs High School senior Gabby Gunter received the second-place Missouri FFA Agriscience Research Animal Systems Proficiency Award at the recent 95th Missouri FFA Convention. more

The Missouri FFA Association has once again awarded West Plains the FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. The local youth agricultural organization has earned top chapter status several years in a row. more

Mass plantings of 50,000 daffodils are now blooming across central and southern Missouri. This regionwide beautification effort, part of the 50th anniversary celebration for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, will be on display for the next several weeks and will rebloom for years to come. more