Landon Pottebaum and Alexa Groeber will be making a trip to Indiana this fall.

The Montgomery County graduates won state championships in their respective proficiency categories and qualified for national competition at the 2025 FFA National Convention, scheduled for Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at Indianapolis.

Pottebaum won first place in grain production, while Groeber came out on top in environmental science and natural resources management during state competition at the Missouri FFA Convention in April at Columbia.

Pottebaum and Groeber were among six MCHS FFA members who qualified for state competition in agricultural proficiency. The others were Dever Cope (beef production placement), Gracie Cobb (ag communications), Colby Ellis (nursery operations) and Raylene Poston (diversified livestock). Cobb and Ellis will be seniors at MCHS this fall, while Cope and Poston are graduates.

There were 45 proficiency award areas that were recognized at the state level. The Missouri Corn Growers Association sponsored Pottebaum’s grain production award and Missouri Department of Natural Resources was the sponsor of Groeber’s environmental science award.

In agricultural proficiency, FFA members develop specialized skills through supervised agricultural experiences that they can apply towards their future careers.

Pottebaum, who graduated from MCHS in May, has been working at Ridgley Farms since 2022 and supports a large-scale row crop and seeds sales operation. He operates and maintains equipment, treats and delivers seed and performs physical labor.

Pottebaum was a member of the MCHS FFA all four years. He served as president during the 2024-25 school year. He was also one of six members who received a state degree.

Pottebaum plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia this fall and major in natural resources with an emphasis in fisheries and wildlife sciences.
Groeber, who graduated from MCHS in 2024, works for Graham Cave State Park as part of her supervised agricultural experience program. Her duties include caring for the restrooms, completing trail maintenance, picking up trash and developing a program that helped inform the public about the natural and cultural wonders of Graham Cave.

Groeber also served as a member of the MCHS FFA all four years. She received a state degree in her senior year. She currently attends the College of the Ozarks, where she is studying business administration.

Ann Rose, who will be a junior at MCHS, accepted Groeber’s state award on her behalf.