Decatur FFA members Grant Bain and Kylee Barthold pose together after setting goals for the New Year at the January Decatur FFA meeting.

FFA is a premier organization for leadership development and growth. However, for Decatur FFA in Texas, it’s not just about leadership or agriculture – it’s about finding a place to belong and trying new things. 

Freshman Kylee Barthold joined Decatur FFA because she had a “fun ag class.” Now, she participates in Creed speaking, the farm business management career development event, prepared public speaking and just started beekeeping for her Supervised Agricultural Experience. 

“FFA has made me get involved in new things, definitely, because my speech is the only reason I understood and wanted to learn more about bees,” Barthold says. “That’s what sparked my beekeeping interest.” 

On the other hand, junior Natalie Dossey became a Decatur FFA member because showing rabbits interested her. Now, it means more than that. 

“[Decatur FFA] makes a community,” Dossey says. “I have some of my closest friends in FFA and it keeps everyone connected through different activities.” 

For freshman Grant Bain, joining Decatur FFA was a spur-of-the-moment decision. He found a passion for the quiz leadership development event, but recently discovered a love for volunteer work. He has a goal to participate in all chapter-sponsored volunteer events. 

“[Because of FFA] I have stepped out of my comfort zone,” Bain says. “I was able to find things I love to do and make new friends.”

Decatur FFA Reporter Alissa Butler always knew she was interested in agriculture. When she joined FFA, she didn’t know how impactful it would truly be. Now, as a senior, she reflects on how Decatur FFA has shaped her.

“FFA is filled with all kinds of kids with different backgrounds but the same love for agriculture,” Butler says. “Some of my closest friends are from FFA because we spend countless days and nights being with each other and doing the FFA activities we love.”

Whether students join FFA because they have a genuine interest in agriculture or because they have a gap to fill in their schedule, one thing is certain: meaningful relationships will be developed, and new interests will be unlocked. 

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without FFA,” Butler says. “[When I graduate] I will think back on the memories and how lucky I was to be a part of an amazing organization.”