Dora Agriculture Education: Remarkable Rural Experiences Create Opportunities For Youth
By: Emma Alexander -
The Dora High School Agriculture Education Department is the hub for a community of rural students who practice hands-on FFA activities and 4-H projects. Their instructor, FFA Advisor, and 4-H leader is Ms. Paula Bodenhamer. The Dora Agriculture Department doesn’t have everything larger districts have, but it has created what every agriculture education department strives to have: a place to belong. Agriculture education at Dora creates opportunities for rural students that they wouldn’t otherwise experience.
Deja Vu: The Feeling You Have Visited Here Before
I was uncertain how to enter the Dora R-3 High School, but when I finally stepped across the threshold of the Dora Agriculture Department, I instantly recognized this space.
Technology was adequate, and exposed power supply cords were proof that computers and projectors were later additions. Classroom tables were arranged in a circle and FFA emblems sat endearingly askew. There were stacks of “things”, forgotten items, and what seemed to be coded messages with dates and times in the corner of the classroom marker board. Relaxed students came and went, huddled together, and each chose a methodical place to sit in the room. This is familiar.
Agri-Ready Designated Ozark County: According to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study, agriculture contributes $32.5 million in total value-added products to the Ozark County economy, supports more than 900 jobs, and adds $54.8 million to household incomes annually. Forestry, food processing, animal and pet food, and cattle make up the bulk of the diversified agriculture economy in #Agri-Ready Designated Ozark County. Livestock accounts for 95% of the county’s agricultural sales according to the 2022 USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, where cattle outnumber people six to one
What’s Up with Dora FFA
The Program of Activities for Dora FFA looks different than it does for other chapters. These members focus on Area 13 activities such as stockman’s and trapshooting contests which are not offered in many other areas. Dora FFA is a recent winner of the Cattle Working Contest. The chapter sets annual goals focused on member participation in fundraisers, contests, and meetings with measurable benchmarks.
After Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves) Southwest Regional Coordinator, David Aldrich, outlined the Ag Moves program to 30 Dora FFA members, I described to them why Ag Moves was a good idea and how to advocate for the program. “You can do it,” I say. “Ms. Bodenhamer has your back,” as every pair of eyes flew to the back of the room and were met with a steady nod.
Who’s That By the Owl?
Ms. Paula Bodenhamer remembers when things were different in agricultural education and FFA. “In 1993, it was difficult to get hired as an agriculture teacher because positions were rarely open and lady educators were given less consideration and no preference,” Paula remembers. As a 30-year veteran educator, she has been committed to the students at Dora for 26 years. Paula is tall, with a relaxed demeanor, a big voice, and a sense of humor. It is clear that nothing scares her. I know I have been here before.
More Than Just A Classroom
Paula leads me into the shop which houses tools, tidily organized for an upcoming event. The bathroom has a stiff doorknob thumb lock that builds the user’s character with every use. I see a refrigerator and a microwave and a large assortment of easily accessible snacks and drinks that are shared to meet needs. “I take the kids to as many places as possible so they can see different things and get them something to eat along the way.” Paula shares. “I just want to create opportunities for kids from a little bitty place.” Did Ms. Paula just choke up?
Plus 4-H
Paula became the sponsor of the local 4-H group almost 20 years ago. She saw a need for younger students and siblings of FFA members to be involved in a club and she wanted them to experience agriculture. Over the years, active 4-H membership has built membership for the FFA chapter as students become old enough.
A Place Where Experiences Become Opportunities
Paula and I walk from the back door of the shop to the livestock barn, where FFA and 4-H students keep their market animal projects each year. Sturdy stalls, convenient water lines, and a feed measuring workstation outfit a well-kept space filled with the sweet scent of the pride students pour into their projects. Excited ‘oinks’ greet us. From dawn until done, Dora youth in agriculture invest the time and effort into proper feeding, cleaning, and training for animals that will be shown at West Plains, Mountain Grove, the Ozark Empire Fair’s Gold Buckle Gala, the Missouri State Fair and beyond. If students are working, Ms. Paula is there to lend a hand, advise, and teach the value of work.
“I love to work with kids on livestock projects in the barn,” Paula says.
“Why?” I ask.
“Because I know how much projects like these meant to me when I was growing up,” Paula smiles, claiming that she doesn’t do anything different than other advisors she knows.
Timeless Belonging
I know this place. I’m in the company of a youth leader with so few words, I can barely classify my visit as an interview (perhaps this is a secret to Ms. Paula’s success), surrounded by furniture, tools, and snacks that hold value and meaning in the simplicity of their availability. I still belong here where students get opportunities and experiences. No matter how many years have passed since I was in the agriculture education department, I can still feel the belonging. It is clear: FFA and 4-H are making a difference in the community of Dora.
More About Ms. Paula
In 2022 Paula received the Frank Graham Leadership Award, Missouri 4-H’s most prestigious volunteer award. She was selected as a semi-finalist for the 2024 Missouri Golden Owl Award which is presented by the Missouri FFA Foundation and Nationwide. Paula is an active member of the Ozark County Farm Bureau Board and has served as a volunteer on Missouri Farm Bureau’s Promotion & Engagement Committee.
The Missouri FFA Association, University of Missouri Extension 4-H Programs, and Missouri Farm Bureau are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
