NATIONAL FFA WEEK BRINGS AWARENESS TO KIDS BEING A PART OF AGRICULTURE

It sometimes seems like the organizations that we’ve belonged to aren’t around as much as they used to be. While some clubs may have disappeared altogether some like the scouting organization are strong as ever. Clubs associated with rural growth and activities like 4-H may not be as strong as they used to be, but they are still a backbone of county fairs with kids. One that seems to still be going strong is the Future Farmers of America or known more often as FFA. The FFA has always been around for kids that live on farms and ranches to have a group of like minds to meet with and share their experiences. But it has always been more than just “sitting around talking about cows” as I’ve heard some kids and leaders jokingly refer to it. The FFA has activities and conferences for it’s members to grow as not just farmers, but also in fields adjacent to the farming life. Kids are introduced to innovations in the farm industry through FFA while also being given opportunities to improve their speaking skills and leadership training. I’ve talked to several kids that have been in FFA and they all have different stories to share.

This week starts the celebration of this organization with National FFA Week. There are kids that have attended the national convention and been able to share their experiences with others from all over the country. They’ve met leaders at almost every level of government and learned what they can do as farmers or people working around the farming industry as new and emerging technologies improve how they can farm. Also, they learn about farm bills that state and national government use to help farmers on all levels in order to continue to be successful.

The thing is that it’s not just “farm kids” that are joining FFA anymore. Kids from cities that have never been involved with farming are joining to learn more about the lifestyle and work that goes into the entire industry. They are learning the same skills that anyone that joins the FFA are exposed to and showing that you didn’t have to grow up on a farm to find ways to become involved. FFA is still as strong today as it has always been and seems to stay that way by adjusting to trends and finding ways to help educate kids on the factors changing in farming and those businesses associate with the entire industry. We understand what a wonderful part of our community our futures farmers are and will be and hope they have a great experience being part of the FFA. We’ve partnered with April Carrier with Farmers Insurance, Brynsaas Sale and Service, Featherlite Trailers, New Albin Savings Bank, and Northeast Iowa Community College to celebrate National FFA week.