3 Trending Ag Topics
As an FFA #SpeakAg Pioneer, Abbey Garland, the Ohio FFA state secretary and Talawanda-Butler Tech FFA member from Oxford, Ohio, is on the front lines of engaging with the public on current issues important to agriculture. Here, she shares three hot-topic issues she commonly encounters.
1. Land Use and Agriculture
Agriculture is in direct competition for land with industries such as energy and technology. “Our generation is reaping the benefits of technology, but we also must balance the needs of food production with our energy and technology needs,” Garland says. “My conversations touch on the challenges and opportunities associated with land-use decisions.”
2. Farm Economy
A strong farm economy is the foundation of agriculture and has wide-ranging impacts on society. “Challenging growing conditions, trade policies and market uncertainties make farm profitability a major concern,” Garland says. “Agriculture also faces the challenge of a reduced workforce. We work to educate the public on how a reliable workforce is critical to agriculture.”
3. Agricultural Education
“We need to share how agriculture is a worthwhile career path,” Garland says. “And we need to invest in agricultural education to ensure students have that opportunity.” She also says strong agricultural education programs train others to become advocates for agriculture. “We have a great story to tell, and we need advocates,” she says.
Be an Ag Advocate
Resources are available to help you engage on topics related to agriculture.
- The National FFA Agricultural Literacy and Advocacy platform provides members with a suite of skills to create a healthier understanding and dialogue about food and agriculture across the world.
- The agricultural issues forum career development event (CDE) allows students to research and present current agricultural issues to public audiences.
