JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As a new school year begins across Missouri, agricultural education programs and FFA chapters are welcoming a new leader at the state level. Jeff Voris began serving as the Director of Missouri Agricultural Education on July 13, 2026, bringing three decades of classroom experience and a strong record of service to agricultural education and FFA.
Voris has spent the past 30 years as an agricultural educator, teaching at Bronaugh, Pleasant Hope and Halfway school districts. Since earning his degree from Missouri State University in 1996, he has embraced opportunities to serve and strengthen agricultural education at both the state and national levels.
Most recently, Voris served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), and he currently serves on the National Council for Agricultural Education. He was elected NAAE Region IV Vice President in 2021 after previously serving as the organization’s Region IV Secretary.
“I am excited to serve Missouri Agricultural Education and FFA in this new capacity,” Voris says. “Missouri agricultural education is strong, and I hope to continue to strengthen and modernize it for continued success for our students.”
As he steps into the director’s seat, Voris says he is ready to work with agricultural education professionals across the state and highlight the impact of Missouri’s programs.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of agricultural education in Missouri and continuing to promote the impact ag ed has across the state,” he says.
A key priority for Voris will be supporting the next generation of agricultural educators. With many young teachers entering classrooms, he hopes to provide them with the resources and support they need to build sustainable, successful careers.
“Our young teachers are coming into the profession highly motivated, and we need to make sure they keep that drive and not allow it to overwhelm them,” Voris says. “My goal is to make sure that drive is focused on creating success in our students.”
Voris brings extensive classroom experience to the position, along with numerous honors recognizing his contributions to agricultural education, including the Honorary American FFA Degree, Missouri Outstanding Agricultural Education Teacher Award, MVATA Distinguished Service Award, Missouri Soil & Water Conservation Society Educator of the Year and Honorary Missouri State FFA Degree.
He also brings a deep connection to agriculture outside the classroom. Voris owns and operates Voris Farms with his father, a Century Farm focused on commercial cow-calf production, forage production, soybeans and small grains. He and his niece also own VOWA Herefords, where they raise and show Hereford cattle across the country.
As Missouri students return to classrooms and agricultural education programs begin another year of hands-on learning, leadership development and career preparation, Voris is focused on building on the strong foundation already in place. His goal is to help ensure Missouri agricultural education remains relevant, innovative and positioned to prepare students for the future of agriculture.
Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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.