Student Focus Archives | National FFA Organization

6 Ways to Break Out of Your Shell in 2019

Cody Sanders, an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho, shares six ways to make this your best year in FFA ever.

By Jessica Mozo|2019-01-07T14:37:01+00:00January 7th, 2019|FFA Membership, FFA New Horizons, Student Focus|

A Crop With the Potential to Soar

This Alabama member plants an experimental crop that can be converted to jet fuel. Crystal Chandler was looking for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project when her FFA advisor at Geraldine High School in Geraldine, Ala., introduced her to carinata (Brassica carinata). The oilseed crop, a nonfood biofuel oil, can be used in jet fuel. The remnants of the carinata seed can be used as a high-protein feed for livestock. The timing was right for Chandler to plant the novel crop. Her parents had just rented 50 acres of farmland with plans to grow row crops. Also, Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., a [...]

By Jodi Helmer|2018-12-20T14:05:30+00:00December 10th, 2018|Chapter Focus, SAE, Student Focus|

Persistence Earns Tractor Restoration Champ Jay Leno Appearance

As the 2017 Grand Champion in the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, Corey Verstraeten can certainly attest to the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” After being named as a finalist in three previous competitions, Verstraeten finally won the top prize during his senior year in high school with a restored Oliver 1755. Perhaps even more exciting, though, was the invitation Verstraeten received to appear on the television show, Jay Leno’s Garage, in August. It proves the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up. 1972 Oliver 1755 A 2018 graduate of Southwest High School in [...]

By Tharran Gaines|2018-12-04T10:40:26+00:00December 4th, 2018|Student Focus|

7 Reasons to Apply for an FFA Scholarship Now

Planning to go to college after high school? Don’t miss your chance to allow FFA to help fund your education. FFA scholarship applications opened Nov. 15 and will close Feb. 6, so don’t wait. 1. No matter what career path you choose, FFA has a scholarship designed to help you achieve your goals. In fact, the National FFA Scholarship Program provides more than 120 different scholarships to support students pursuing post-secondary education. Recipients use the money to study in a wide variety of fields, with the top five being agribusiness systems; animal systems; power, structural and technical systems; plant systems; and [...]

By Jessica Mozo|2018-12-04T15:14:53+00:00December 4th, 2018|Local Engagement, Scholarships, Student Focus|

A Connecticut school dives deep

Large tanks bubble as koi do slow, meandering laps. Aquariums gurgle while lobsters peer through the glass. Vats of seaweed prepare to be processed.

By Kylan Stuck|2018-09-20T17:28:03+00:00June 20th, 2018|Chapter Focus, Student Focus, The Feed|

Brooksville Sr. FFA Members Address Coastal Erosion

Brooksville Sr. FFA members are using their Yearlong Living to Serve Grant to address coastal erosion due to the removal of invasive plants. Removing invasive plants is important. However, it left coastal areas bare and more susceptible to erosion. The chapter has been working with the University of Florida (UF) to research salinity tolerance in different coastal plants so that they can help restore some of the wetlands. About 500 plants and seeds have been propagated and are being cared for by the FFA members. The chapter is now working with UF to identify planting sites to continue their project. Brookville [...]