The Missouri FFA Association recognized Ennis Edward Childs of the Van-Far FFA Chapter as the Area 5 Star in Agribusiness at the 94th Missouri FFA Convention. His parents are Amy and Kurt Childs. His advisors are Blaise Stuedle and Ashlee Crader. Area Stars in Agribusiness are selected based upon outstanding achievement in work experience in an agricultural business as part of a student’s supervised agricultural experience program and active participation in FFA. Area 5 includes 20 chapters in the Northeast District. MFA Inc., Columbia, sponsors the 16 area Star in Agribusiness awards as well as the State Star in Agribusiness Award.

Childs’ supervised agricultural experience began when he bought equipment operator manuals from his parents’ Case IH Dealership and sold them on eBay. He expanded his business by selling equipment parts ranging from lawn mower seats to GPS receivers. While selling manuals and parts, he maintains a placement position at his parents’ dealership. Childs is currently serving as chapter vice president and Area 5 treasurer. Childs has served as chapter treasurer and chapter president. He has competed in the FFA knowledge and creed speaking leadership development events and the entomology and meats evaluation career development events. Childs was the high individual in the meats evaluation career development event at Missouri FFA State Convention and at National FFA Convention. He has been awarded the state leadership medal and participated in the 2021 Helping Youth Prepare for eXcellence Academy, Public Speaking Institute, Area Officer Institute, and the Lead, Educate, Advance, Develop Conference for Chapter Officers.

In addition to FFA, Childs currently serves as the National Honor Society vice president and student council president. He is also on the varsity cross country team, track team and was a member of the high school band. Outside of school he is a member of the Spencer Creek Baptist Church.

After graduating high school, Childs plans to dual major in plant science and agricultural education at the University of Missouri-Columbia and plans to become an agriculture instructor with his degree. 

The Missouri FFA has 25,626 members representing 353 chapters. The national organization has more than 735,000 members representing 8,817 chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.