Oklahoma FFA members stand for Opening Ceremonies.
FFA is an organization loved by many across the United States. For nearly 100 years, it has given FFA members an opportunity to lead and explore their passions for agriculture.
Within FFA, a member can compete in public speaking, or one of dozens of career development events, to prepare them for their future. Many members add leadership conferences and camps to further their involvement in FFA. Although the National FFA Organization, as well as state associations, offer many opportunities, being a part of FFA also gives students the opportunity to be part of other agriculture-related organizations.
American Farmers and Ranchers
In Oklahoma, there are several organizations that hold close ties to FFA that members are a part of. One of these organizations is American Farmers and Ranchers (AFR). Each year, AFR holds a variety of events for youth in agriculture throughout the state, including area and state AFR speech contests, AFR Youth Leadership Summit and the AFR Youth Advisory Council.
“The AFR Youth Advisory Council gave me the opportunity to utilize valuable skills I learned in FFA in real-life experiences and interactions,” says Annie Schneider, a member of the AFR Youth Advisory Council.
The AFR Youth Advisory Council, shortly after being elected.
Oklahoma Farm Bureau
Another group that many Oklahoma FFA members are involved in is the Oklahoma Farm Bureau (OKFB). Every year, during the summer, OKFB holds the Oklahoma Youth Leading Agriculture Conference. This prestigious group of students comes together for a week to learn about the various industries within Oklahoma agriculture and participate in fun leadership activities.
OKFB also hosts Capitol Camp, a camp for FFA and 4-H members that lasts two days and is held at the Oklahoma State Capitol. During this conference, students learn how the legislative process of the Oklahoma Government works right from the floor of the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the Oklahoma Senate chambers. Each member creates a bill that must pass through a committee and be heard on the floor through proper parliamentary procedure. The students vote bills up or down after discussions and debates before they are passed to the other chamber.
OKFB puts on the High School Discussion Meet each year, too. Participants come together and compete in a cooperative discussion. Participants are scored based on the quality of their ideas and their ability to collaborate with the rest of the panel.
“Every activity is designed flawlessly and orchestrated by people who truly care about today’s youth,” says Hailey Helmke, an outstanding FFA member who has been involved in several OKFB activities. “They provide the best experiences for students to hone leadership skills and stay involved in the industry of agriculture.”
The Oklahoma Youth Leading Agriculture Members, including Hailey Helmke, visit Whitmore Farms during their tours.
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) also gives an opportunity to high school seniors to be a part of the Agriculture Youth Council. These exemplary students work closely with ODAFF representatives to learn about how agriculture functions as a whole throughout Oklahoma.
“The Agriculture Youth Council gives you a chance to share your ideas that could greatly impact the state, allowing youth to be truly immersed in the decisions that help to dictate their future,” says Agriculture Youth Council member Brianna Payne.
The Agriculture Youth Advisory Council visits a Christmas tree farm in Oklahoma.
FFA allows members to take the next step in their careers by providing these opportunities to many of their outstanding members. Both inside and outside Oklahoma, opportunities rise in every area of interest. Students are encouraged to find ways to get involved in other activities set up by FFA supporters like AFR, OKFB or ODAFF.
