Countless Opportunities

Yesterday, I went to my local chapter's FFA Alumni meeting.  It was pretty standard fare, sparsely attended, but everyone there is eager to help the kids and really had a passion for the work of the FFA in general.  We talked about the kids we are sponsoring to attend National Convention, and the other fall conferences, and we were decidedly disappointed at the lack of participation for National Convention this year.  Kids either couldn't come up with the small sum of money they have to pay, didn't fill out the forms, or simply were not old enough to be eligible to attend, due to the Chapter limiting attendance to upper classmen. 

It's hard for me to see the program struggle, as it meant so much to me as a student.  I spent hours memorizing speeches, learning my officer position duties and stations, perfecting my resume, and filling out award applications. I learned about agriculture, but I also learned practical life skills. Out of everything I did in high school, my time in the FFA helped me the most through college.  I knew how to present myself publicly, how to write an engaging speech, and how to plan large projects and events so they would go smoothly.  Out of all of my schooling since then, I still feel these skills may be some of the most important.

One thing that can sadly be common in my community is the lack of support from other local businesspeople and farmers who do not support our youth learning through FFA.   They believe that because it isn't an "academic" area, it isn't as important as other higher learning programs.  Some farmers see it as a waste of time, and don't encourage their kids to get involved.  I feel frustrated because it is an easy way for agriculture to connect with the community.  In our town, the FFA hosts a pancake brunch, with hundreds of people in attendance.  It's a great opportunity to connect with people who don't see agriculture in their daily lives.  With more people becoming separated from the farm everyday, this connection time is increasingly valuable.  I encourage all farmers to get involved with the youth in their communities, helping them to learn about things that happen on the farm.  Whether its through 4-H, FFA, Ag in the Classroom, or any other type of community outreach, it will be worth the time you put in.