Ketchum Family Named 2025 Scotland County Farm Family

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The Ketchum family has been recognized as the 2025 Scotland County Farm Family of the Year. Jenna and her children—Zada, 16; Cora, 14; Rhet, 13; and Kruz, 10—live on their family farm just outside Downing, Missouri.

Jenna and the late Jesse Ketchum purchased and operated a cow/calf operation with hay and pasture ground outside of Downing. Jesse was a lifelong advocate for agriculture, 4-H and FFA, and was an alumnus of both organizations. He purchased his first farm as a senior in high school in 2002, where he raised Simmental cattle and dabbled in row crops for a couple of years. Jesse and Jenna expanded the operation in 2006 with the purchase of their current farm. Zada, Cora, Rhet and Kruz learned to love agriculture from a young age.

After Jesse’s passing in 2017, many people stepped in to help wherever needed to ensure the Ketchum family could continue their passion for agriculture and their love of 4-H, FFA and showing cattle.

Through the years, the Ketchums have been proud to volunteer and give back to those who supported them and to help those just beginning their agricultural journey.

Jenna is a lifelong resident of Scotland County. She will begin her 19th year teaching this fall at Scotland County R-I Schools, where she teaches family consumer science and human services to grades 7-12. Her courses focus on foods and culinary, personal finance, child and human development, and entrepreneurship. Jenna values teaching in a vocational field where students gain hands-on skills. She also serves as the advisor for the Scotland County FCCLA chapter. All four of her children attend the school where she teaches.

Zada will be a senior at Scotland County R-I. She is highly involved, serving as president of FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, National Honor Society, Student Council and the Class of 2026. She also shoots trap and will be serving as co-captain this year. Zada will serve as the Missouri FFA Area 3 sentinel and is a regional vice president for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Board. She is active in both the Missouri Junior Hereford Association and the Missouri Junior Simmental Association, where she was the 2022 Missouri Simmental Queen. In her free time, Zada enjoys showing cattle at local, state and national levels, trapshooting, mentoring youth and being involved in agriculture. After graduation, she plans to study agriculture education at Northwest Missouri State University.

Cora will be a sophomore at Scotland County R-I. She is involved in FFA, FBLA, FCCLA, Student Council and the Class of 2028. Cora is a member of the Missouri Junior Simmental Association and currently serves as the Missouri Simmental Queen. She enjoys playing first base on both her high school and travel softball teams, shooting archery, and showing cattle at all levels. She has a strong passion for livestock and the show industry.

Rhet will be in eighth grade at Scotland County R-I. He is a class officer for the Class of 2030 and a member of the Scholar Bowl team. Rhet is involved with the Missouri Junior Simmental Association and previously participated in the Missouri Junior Hereford Association. He enjoys showing cattle and dogs, working with animals, and practicing his baking and grilling skills.

Kruz will be in fifth grade this year at Scotland County R-I. He plays Tiger Cub football and has started showing cattle. He enjoys shooting sports, including .22 rifle and archery, and is learning skills through 4-H’s hunting and outdoor skills projects. He has begun his leadership journey by holding his first 4-H office this year.

Jenna and all four children are deeply involved in 4-H. Jenna is the leader of the Azen Jolly Timers and an advisor for the Scotland County 4-H Council. She currently leads projects in foods, Clover Kids and beef, and has previously led projects in sewing, electricity, livestock judging, and arts and crafts. She enjoys helping new families get involved in 4-H.

Zada serves as president of both the Azen Jolly Timers and Scotland County 4-H Council and enjoys mentoring younger members. Cora is secretary of both groups and is dedicated to accurate recordkeeping. Rhet is vice president of the Azen Jolly Timers and has held previous offices in the council. Kruz is a 4-H Council representative for the Azen Jolly Timers.

For the Ketchum children, 4-H is a fifth-generation family tradition. Their great-great-grandparents chartered the Azen Jolly Timers 4-H Club, and they are proud to continue the legacy.

As a family, the Ketchums devote countless hours to volunteering for 4-H and community events, including cooking and providing meals. They take pride in giving back and helping younger generations develop a passion for agriculture. The family is active in the community, the show industry, and agricultural advocacy. They look forward to representing Scotland County at the Missouri State Fair in August and wish all exhibitors the best of luck.