Spring/Summer 2023: FFA in the USA

By |2022-12-28T10:26:39-05:00December 28th, 2022|FFA in the USA, FFA New Horizons, The Feed|
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National FFA has state associations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Read on for the exciting things FFA members and chapters are doing in communities across the country.

Alabama

It’s the battle of the butts! Albertville FFA will host a Boston butt pork shoulder cook-off this spring. Community members will judge and the plates will be sold as a fundraiser.

Alaska

Members of Midnight Sun FFA teach younger students the importance of local resources by showing them how to plant, grow and care for birch seedlings.

Arizona

The Monument Valley FFA runs a veterinary clinic at its school, allowing students to get hands-on experience. The chapter is currently filming a TV show about it.

Arkansas

In July, Arkansas hosts the Chapter Presidents Conference, where chapter presidents and vice presidents learn how to become better leaders for their chapters.

California

To combat hunger, Firebaugh FFA teaches its community how to raise chickens for egg production in their backyards. The chapter also provides eggs to local churches as a source of protein.

Colorado

Brighton FFA partners with its school’s Sunshine Club to create floral arrangements, name plaques and other items for students and staff. The club works with individuals who need a little extra light in their lives after a family or personal tragedy or celebration.

Connecticut

Mattabeset FFA has created the FFA Animal Ambassadors program. Teams of students, along with their registered pet partners, provide animal-assisted therapy visits.

Delaware

To wrap up the state fair, chapters are invited to compete in the FFA Fair Games — relay races where the final winner earns the best prize: a spirit stick and ultimate bragging rights!

Florida

Ocoee FFA built a sensory garden for those in Exceptional Student Education and others in its high school. The chapter implemented native Florida plants, butterfly-loving plants and other aromatic plants to appeal to all senses and attract wildlife.

Georgia

Five FFA members participated in the Legislative Livestock Show at the 2022 Georgia National Fair. Each member was partnered with a legislator and taught them how to raise and exhibit a swine project. The culmination was a showmanship class that pitted the legislators against one another using the skills their FFA member coaches provided.

Hawaii

Konawaena FFA provides leafy greens to elderly community members on a limited income who may not have regular access to a healthy diet. The chapter also provides vegetable seedlings for the seniors to plant at their homes.

Illinois

State officers attended Corn Congress sponsored by the Illinois Corn Growers and Marketing Board. Officers met with legislators to advocate for agriculture on Capitol Hill.

Indiana

Owen Valley FFA members enrolled in the school’s ag mechanics course offer low-cost small-engine repairs to the community and host workshops covering small engine winterization.

Iowa

Kingsley-Pierson FFA works with Sleep in Heavenly Peace-Sioux City to provide beds to underprivileged children. Members collect materials to build 10 to 20 bed frames and use grants and donations to purchase mattresses, pillows and bedding.

Kansas

District officers have meaningful involvement in the delegate process at the Kansas State Convention in June. They facilitate discussions that assist the delegates in making decisions that benefit the association.

Kentucky

More than 200 middle school FFA members attended the Middle School Leadership Conference in March. Conferences were held in Frankfort and Hardinsburg, and included leadership workshops, games and time for networking.

Louisiana

St. Amant FFA hosts an animal advocacy day to pass out companion animal disaster preparation kits to the community in hopes of being prepared for a potential future natural disaster.

Maryland

Boonsboro Middle School FFA addresses community health by building exercise stations around school grounds. The stations are designed to form a walking path for community members.

Michigan

Pankow FFA is working in southeastern Michigan to strengthen a community garden. Members are creating seasoning mixes from their garden harvest and hosting three educational workshops with the community and schools.

Minnesota

Sleepy Eye FFA helps the community with its Backpack Food Program. Students in need receive bags of family meals — main dishes, fruits, vegetables and snacks — for the weekend. The bags also include personal care items, holiday treats, gifts and more.

Mississippi

Mississippi is the only state with a Junior FFA Association. The roughly 565 members can start at the age of 8 and compete at the junior level until they enter the ninth grade. There are even junior state officers who represent their associations.

Missouri

Smithton FFA makes first-aid safety kits for its school, one of two emergency shelters in the event of a major town emergency or tornado.

Nebraska

Each spring, Norfolk FFA hosts an animal farm day at Northeast Community College where about 300 kindergartners and teachers learn about different livestock and machinery.

Nevada

To help with the overpopulation of feral cats in its community, Smoky Valley FFA traps, spays/neuters and releases the cats monthly. Some of the kittens are tamed and rehomed or placed for adoption.

New Jersey

In March, members showcase their abilities and expertise in growing ornamental plants and designing f loral arrangements at the New Jersey FFA Horticultural Expo. Industry experts judge more than 800 entries.

New Mexico

The historic cemetery in Mosquero dates to the early 1800s, and many descendants of the town’s original residents still live in the community. Harding County FFA answered a call to make new metal grave markers to replace those barely legible.

New York

Last summer, state officers traveled to Camp Oswegatchie to facilitate a five-week summer camp. The officers put on a workshop on transformational leadership and gave reflections on making meaningful connections at camp and being kind toward others.

North Carolina

The state is celebrating a record-high membership, growing by 8,334 members in the past year!

North Dakota

Medina FFA partnered with a local committee to spruce up the town for its upcoming 125th anniversary. The chapter is freshening up several of the city’s flower beds.

Ohio West

Holmes FFA helped the Holmes County Soil and Water Conservation District with its annual tree sale packing at Harvest Ridge in April. Members went to the fairgrounds and helped sort and pack approximately 8,000 trees for 135 customers.

Oklahoma

A record 1,690 Oklahoma FFA members attended the 50th annual Oklahoma FFA Alumni Leadership Camp last summer. They learned about the importance of leadership and how to leave a positive legacy.

Oregon

The Pine-Eagle Ag Department purchased 13.5 acres of land, 10 of which are being developed into an Ag Land Lab with a student-built equipment shed and finish work on a barn. Nearly 4 acres within the city of Halfway are being developed into nine residential lots.

Pennsylvania

Penns Manor Area FFA is refurbishing an outdoor environmental education classroom for Yellow Creek State Park. The chapter will repair and install new benches and tables, and offer its services to help maintain stream life and water quality.

Puerto Rico

After a two-year hiatus, Puerto Rico FFA hosted a three-day, two-night FFA camp at Guajataka Scout Reservation last summer. Members enjoyed adventures, learning and leadership.

South Carolina

Let’s hear it for the goats! Manning FFA offers goat therapy, including goat yoga, to students and teachers suffering from anxiety and depression.

Tennessee

The state is proudly home to the oldest FFA camp in the nation! The memories members have made through FFA Camp Clements are endless. From kayaking the Caney Fork to attending workshops, FFA members make new friends, grow their leadership skills and find a love for FFA.

Texas

Taft FFA is addressing community safety by building wheelchair ramps at local businesses.

U.S. Virgin Islands

John H. Woodson Junior High FFA is growing tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers for the Flambouyant Gardens Senior Housing Community.

Utah

Members of Skyridge FFA volunteer at Utah’s Hogle Zoo for their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), growing bamboo in the chapter’s greenhouse for the animals.

Virginia

Bassett FFA is expanding a nearby community garden. Each crop harvest is donated to the local food bank. The chapter also shares updates and gardening advice on its social media platforms.

Washington

Glacier Peak FFA has partnered with the PAWS organization to break ground on a new wildlife rehabilitation facility in Snohomish. The chapter builds avian enclosures and creates community programs to promote wildlife safety awareness.

Wisconsin

Last July, state officers enjoyed spending a week in Washington, D.C., to reflect on the year and receive leadership training.

Wyoming

Buffalo Bill FFA in Cody has a long-standing tradition of honoring the memory and birthday of William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Wild West Show and Pony Express reenactments, salutes and speeches are part of the extraordinary ceremony.

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