Keeping the Roots, Growing the Branches
Chiefland FFA members and animals gather at the farm, waiting for Fun Day on the Farm to begin.
This year, Chiefland FFA in Florida honored its long National FFA Week tradition, while also adding a new event that sparked creativity and involvement within the FFA community.
Fun Day on the Farm has been a major part of the nationally recognized week for Chiefland FFA for many years, and has evolved to accommodate new areas of agriculture. While the chapter cherishes this activity, it also wanted to keep the spark alive. This year, Chiefland FFA hosted a Barn Bash that consisted of dancing and socializing between the middle, junior and senior chapters. By adding this event, the chapter kept students interested in National FFA Week and bridged connections between chapters.
Chiefland FFA has hosted Fun Day on The Farm for many years. It is used to teach kindergarten students about agriculture and expose them to the way of FFA. During the event, students rotate through different stations, such as horses, forestry, FFA and agricultural mechanics, where they learn about how each contributes to agriculture and the purpose of those industries.
In 2025, Chiefland FFA expanded Fun Day on the Farm to include fifth graders. The chapter wanted to encourage those students who are about to enter middle school to join FFA and learn about all the possibilities it entails. Beyond going to each station, the students could interact with current FFA members, officers and advisors and hear about their FFA experiences. The hard work and dedication of Chiefland FFA members keeps Fun Day on the Farm going and has made it a fun activity for both FFA members and elementary students.
After a night of music and dancing at the Barn Bash, Chiefland FFA members pose for a group photo.
Adding to the fun, Chiefland FFA decided to host a Barn Bash that was open to all Chiefland FFA members. The Barn Bash was hosted at their local land lab barn on the Friday of National FFA Week. Throughout the week, the agriculture classes created a chandelier and hung up decorations at the barn to keep this activity festive and invite more students to come.
Senior Chapter President Klaire Mullis says her favorite part of the Barn Bash was “the opportunity to socialize with all three of our chapters, and being able to strengthen relationships while also meeting new members.” Although this was the first year hosting a Barn Bash, Chiefland FFA hopes to do it again next year, and maybe hire a professional line dancer to teach students how to line dance.
National FFA Week’s purpose is to teach students about what FFA is and celebrate the successes of current FFA members. Chiefland FFA was able to accomplish these two goals. By allowing members to connect with future FFA members at Fun Day on the Farm, members were able to talk about the importance of agriculture and FFA, and the Barn Bash dance allowed members to celebrate the hardworking week and spend quality time with their friends.
By cherishing old traditions and introducing new traditions, Chiefland FFA celebrated everything that makes FFA special.
