The 2013 class is headed to southwestern Missouri for a hands-on look at careers in agriculture. Applications are available for the Missouri Agribusiness Academy, with the deadline set for Friday, February 1st.

The deadline is fast approaching for Missouri high school students interested in participating in the 2013 Missouri Agribusiness Academy. The Academy, a program of the Missouri Department of Agriculture, gives 30 high school sophomores from throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore agriculture-related college degrees and careers for a week in June. Applications are available online at mda.mo.gov and are due no later than February 1, 2013.

This year, students have the opportunity to learn about the many unique opportunities for agricultural careers in southwestern Missouri. The group will spend June 3-7 in the Springfield area, visiting with industry leaders and agribusinesses specializing in animal health, communication, sales and financial management. The students will also spend time on the Missouri State University campus.

More than 750 Missouri youth have completed the competitive application and interview process and gone on to participate in the Academy since its establishment in 1988.

For more information on the Department of Agriculture and its programs, please visit http://www.mda.mo.gov.