From Serving Others to Strengthening Their Community

What does it really mean to “Live to Serve”?

For Carrollton FFA, it means seeing a need, caring about others and turning that concern into action. 

Carrollton FFA members Kate Edwards, Brody Swindler and Grant Owen represented Missouri at the 2025 National FFA Catalyst Conference in Indianapolis, June 18-20. During the conference, they served in many ways, including creating flower arrangements for nursing home residents, packing meals, planting flowers, spreading mulch and helping beautify a cemetery. 

But the biggest lesson they brought home was simple: Service should not end when the conference does. 

The members were challenged to identify a need in their own community and create a project that could make a lasting difference. When they looked at their rural community, they saw a need close to home: the mental health and physical safety of agricultural workers. That need became Ag Safe, Ag Strong. 

“We decided on this service-learning project because our community was struggling with mental health and safety within our agricultural workers,” Edwards says. “We wanted to provide resources and create videos to promote safety, both mentally and physically, for our agricultural leaders.” 

For Carrollton FFA secretary Swindler, the campaign is about supporting the people who keep rural communities thriving. 

“The Ag Safe and Ag Strong Living to Serve campaign is important because agriculture is the heart of our rural community, and we need to make sure the people who feed and support us know that they are not alone,” Swindler said. “Farmers face stress and challenges that are not always visible, and it is important to remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Through this campaign, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health, share resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and show our farmers that their lives matter. By working together, we can build a stronger, healthier, and more supportive community.” 

Supporting Farmer Mental Health

One part of Ag Safe, Ag Strong focuses on reminding farmers that their mental health matters. Carrollton FFA members packaged lunch bags with meals and information about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and distributed them to farmers at Ray-Carroll. 

Members Carli Kemble and Kenna Cabaniss helped lead the project, while Edwards, Sawyer Stark, Ava Porciello and Swindler created 988 tumbler cups to distribute throughout the community. 

These simple acts send a powerful message: farmers are valued, help is available, and no one must face their struggles alone.

Farm Fire Safety 

Carrollton FFA is taking action to promote physical safety on local farms by providing 30 fire extinguishers to farmers. This initiative aims to help agricultural workers prepare for potential farm fires and create safer working environments throughout the community. 

“Fire safety is very important, especially in modern agriculture, because just as technology advances, fire safety measures should advance with it, along with education and proper methods to manage fires on the farm to hopefully save many more lives,” Owen, a National FFA Catalyst Conference attendee and Carrollton FFA member, said. 

Promoting Needle Biosecurity on Local Farms 

Carrollton FFA is working to improve biosecurity on local farms by promoting the safe disposal of used needles. Needles are commonly used in agriculture to administer vaccines, shots and other medications to livestock. While these tools are important for maintaining animal health, improper disposal can pose safety risks to farmers, animals and the environment. 

To address this concern, Carrollton FFA plans to distribute 20 red sharps disposal containers to local farmers. These designated containers provide a safer place to collect used needles and help prevent them from being left in areas where people or animals could encounter them. 

Helping Seniors Stay Strong and Safe 

Carrollton FFA is taking steps to promote safety beyond the farm by focusing on fall prevention among older adults. Porciello is leading an effort to provide exercise bands to the local senior center, helping seniors stay active and build strength. 

Fall prevention is especially important for older adults because falls can lead to serious injuries, reduced independence, and a loss of confidence in everyday activities. By encouraging regular movement and exercise, seniors can work toward improving their strength, flexibility and balance, all of which play an important role in reducing the risk of falls. 

Building Stronger Communities Through Service 

As an FFA advisor, Brooke Swindler sees the campaign as an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills while making a meaningful difference in their community. 

“As an FFA advisor, I believe it is essential for students to become actively involved in their communities and recognize the impact they can make through service,” Mrs. Swindler said. “Projects like the Ag Safe and Ag Strong Living to Serve campaign empower our students to address important issues affecting rural communities, especially mental health and overall well-being.”

Mrs. Swindler continued, “In agriculture, we often focus on taking care of our land, livestock and crops, but we must also prioritize the people who make agriculture possible. Continually raising awareness of rural health challenges, reducing stigma and reminding farmers and agricultural families that they are not alone can make a lasting difference. By engaging in these service projects, our students are not only developing leadership skills but also learning the importance of compassion, advocacy, and giving back to the communities that support them.” 

Ag Safe, Ag Strong is a year-long project, and these efforts are only the beginning. Carrollton FFA plans to continue finding ways to support, educate and strengthen its agricultural community. 

For Carrollton FFA, “Living to Serve” is more than part of the FFA motto; it is a call to action. From serving others in Indianapolis to making a difference at home, these members are proving that service does not have to begin somewhere far away. 

Sometimes, the greatest opportunity to serve is right in your own backyard.