For Nathan Scheiderer, an FFA member, accomplishments have been happening one seed at a time.

"That's me on stage winning my National Proficiency," said Scheiderer.

Scheiderer knows about the opportunities FFA holds first-hand. This past October, the National FFA Organization selected him as a National Proficiency winner for his supervised agricultural experience, or SAE. His record book shows what started as a one-acre operation, grew significantly each year.

"My SAE project was called Nathan's Pumpkin Patch," said Scheiderer. "I grow pumpkins and gourds here in Salisbury and sell them locally, as well as going to other places."

The FFA is in Nathan's blood, as his father was an agricultural teacher for 31 years.

"I was extremely proud to see him stand on stage at national convention and receive that honor," said Rob Scheiderer, father of Nathan.

FFA week allows members like Scheiderer to look back on the year's accomplishments, and say thanks to those who made it possible. Salisbury FFA advisor, Amanda Ross, says whether its working in the shop or growing plants in the greenhouse, students are learning the tools needed for success.

"I just realized there's so many opportunities out there for students and there are a lot of things I'd never been able to do without FFA," said Ross.

Scheiderer agrees and explains his decision to follow in his father's footsteps.

"I've decided to become an agricultural educator and continue my career and encourage others to have those great accomplishments of their own in FFA." said Nathan Scheiderer.

Salisbury FFA members are preparing for a busy week with FFA activities scheduled everyday, like the FFA blood drive today. Missouri has more than 24,000 FFA members, but only 27 percent live in rural farm areas.

-27 percent of FFA members live in rural farm areas

-39 percent live rural non-farm areas

-34 percent live in urban and suburban areas

-28 percent of FFA members today are female

-50 percent of female FFA members hold offices

-FFA chapters are established in 11 of 20 of the largest cities in the United States; ie: New York City, Chicago and Philadelphia

The top five membership states are:

1. California

2. Texas

3. Georgia

4. Oklahoma

5. Missouri

-In 2006-2007, Missouri had 24,115 members and 311 FFA Chapters

-In 2007, more than $22 million in FFA scholarships were awarded to FFA members across the U.S.

-More than $93 thousand went to Missouri FFA members