12/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/12/2024 09:40
Share:
OSAGE BEACH, Mo. - - Karson Calvin, of Troy, and Claire Walker, of Chillicothe, were selected by a panel of judges to serve as the 2025 Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) Ambassadors during the 110th MOFB annual meeting.
The MOFB Ambassador Program selects one male and one female student 17-to-22 years of age to represent agriculture and Farm Bureau for one year. Each Ambassador receives a $2,500 educational scholarship, and throughout 2025, each will represent MOFB during a legislative trip to Washington, D.C., the Missouri State Fair and other events.
Calvin represents Lincoln County Farm Bureau and is the son of Robert and Jill Calvin. Currently a sophomore at the University of Missouri, he is majoring in agricultural education while serving as the MU Collegiate Farm Bureau treasurer and an executive team member of the MU Ag Education society. Upon graduation, Calvin plans to pursue a career as either an educator and FFA advisor, following in his father's footsteps, or in the area of agriculture legislative policy and communication.
Walker represents Livingston County Farm Bureau and is the daughter of Brice and Tiffany Walker. Currently a junior at the University of Missouri, she is an agribusiness management major. The reigning Missouri State Fair queen, Walker is involved in the MU Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, Block & Bridle, Sigma Alpha and the agribusiness club on campus. She grew up on a century farm raising Simmental cattle, as well as growing row crops and hay. Upon graduation, Walker plans to pursue a Master's degree in agriculture communication to continue advocating for the industry.
A total of 14 students competed in this year's contest, which began with judges interviewing each contestant. During the evening session, six finalists split into two panel discussion groups, taking questions from 2024 Ambassadors Madison Meyer and Caleb Simpson. The Ambassador program is sponsored by the MOFB Promotion & Education committee, and scholarship funds come from the MOFB Foundation for Agriculture.
A photo of the 2025 Ambassadors with MOFB President Garrett Hawkins is available via this link. For additional information or to set up an interview with the winners, contact Janet Adkison, Director of Public Affairs and Advocacy, at 573-893-1467.