Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.
These twelve words make up the FFA motto. These are the words that members live by as they experience all of the opportunities that this organization has to offer. Across the country from February 15-22, chapters celebrate National FFA Week. This week long celebration has been a tradition since 1947. The tradition was set to be on George Washington’s birthday to honor him and his accomplishments as an agriculturist and a farmer. It wasn’t always a week long celebration, it all began sometime in 1934 when someone suggested we have some sort of Future Farmer’s Day. Now, it begins on the 15th, and goes all the way to the 22nd to completely surround Washington’s birthday.
What does this mean?
National FFA Week is a chance for FFA members and alumni to really show their support for FFA, agriculture, and education. It’s a time for everyone on a local, state, and national level to come together and show the impact that this wonderful organization has had in our lives on a daily basis.
Agriculture is important to everyone. Whether you’re educated on the topic or not, if you have food on the table, you have a farmer to thank. Agriculture is the backbone of a successful nation, not only would we most likely starve without it, but it also creates employment and food for people all over.
Personally, FFA has opened up so many doors for me, and by being involved, I’ve learned a lot. While I have broadened my knowledge about livestock and farming, I’ve also learned how to lead a successful life. On the home page of ffa.org it says,
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
I agree with that statement 100%. Even if you’re not planning to pursue a career in agriculture, you learn pertinent life skills and lessons that will last a lifetime. I truly believe that agriculture, or ag education is something every youth should experience. You don’t have to raise livestock or fork out a chunk of money to be involved. Just do exactly that, be involved! There are so many opportunities for people at all levels of experience to participate in.
To find out more about how to get involved, talk to your local chapter officers or AG teachers. Let’s celebrate agriculture and the Future Farmers of America!
If you’re already involved, show off what you’re doing to show your support. Hashtag your pictures and posts with #FFAWeek. Leave a comment and let us know how agriculture has impacted you!
For more information about Future Farmers of America, check out these links!
https://www.ffa.org/about/whoweare/Pages/Statistics.aspx
https://www.ffa.org/Pages/default.aspx
Keep at it! The rest of your H.S. teaches may not want you to know it, but in the long run, some of the very most valuable things you will apply to your future will be learned in the Ag Room!