Ag Business Council Selects Larison, Dietzschold for Distinguished Service Awards

KANSAS CITY, MO – The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City has selected veteran agricultural educators Jason Larison of Holton, Kansas, and Keith Dietzschold of Boonville, Missouri, as recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Service Award.

“We are indebted to educators like Jason and Keith who have inspired, guided and mentored countless young people across rural America,” said Kristie Larson, chair of the Agricultural Business Council. Larson, Strategic Relationship Manager for the DeBruce Foundation, noted that both honorees have dedicated their careers to strengthening agricultural education and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

Jason Larison, Holton High School, Holton, Kansas

Jason Larison

Jason Larison has dedicated 31 years to agricultural education in Kansas, serving as lead agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Holton High School. When he joined the program in 1995, agricultural education in Holton was at risk of being discontinued. Through his leadership, the program grew into one of the most respected and well-rounded agricultural education programs in Kansas, emphasizing classroom instruction, FFA involvement, and Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs.

Throughout his career, Larison has been recognized for his commitment to student success, agricultural literacy, and leadership development. His influence extends well beyond the classroom through mentorship of future educators and agricultural leaders, including former students who have gone on to serve as agriculture teachers and FFA advisors themselves. As he retires from Holton High School, Larison leaves a lasting legacy on agricultural education and the generations of students whose lives he helped shape.

Keith Dietzschold, Missouri State FFA Advisor

Keith Dietzschold

Keith Dietzschold has dedicated more than four decades to agricultural education in Missouri as an instructor, FFA advisor and statewide leader. After more than 27 years teaching agricultural education in Lathrop, Cameron and Chillicothe, he joined the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, ultimately serving as Director of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Missouri State FFA Advisor. 

Throughout his career, Dietzschold has been recognized for strengthening agricultural education programs, mentoring educators and championing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and work-based learning opportunities for students across Missouri. His honors include the Outstanding State Supervisor Award from the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education in 2024.

The Council will formally recognize Larison and Dietzschold during its Summer Social reception on July 16 in Kansas City.

The Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City represents more than 700 leaders from across the food and agribusiness value chain. Agribusiness remains a cornerstone of the Kansas City economy, accounting for 8% of the regional workforce and 22% of the gross regional product (GRP).

For more information, including photos of the 2026 honorees, visit www.agbizkc.com/news or contact Zach Helder at zach.helder@agbizkc.com.

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