Welcome to 2021! We may not be back to some semblance of normal quite yet, but that won’t stop FFA chapters around the USA from serving their communities this spring, summer and beyond. Check out some of the events and activities chapters are doing around the country.
Alabama
Each spring, J.B. Pennington FFA partners with community members to host a farm equipment auction and consignment sale.
Alaska
Chapters across the state have been busy helping their local communities solve problems associated with COVID-19. Many chapters constructed hydroponic grow towers that will help schools provide fresh produce.
Arkansas
Arkansas FFA took to social media to promote #AgInEverything, showcasing the cross-curricular overlap of supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) with core subjects like math, science and English.
California
As the state pivots toward increased involvement and inclusion, its annual Made for Excellence and Advance Leadership conferences are in full swing. The conferences feature online sessions, individual activities and Zoom breakout rooms.
Colorado
Cedaredge FFA honors local veterans with a “Patriotic Salute.” Members work with veterans to display a field of 35 large flags and graveside markers to honor our fallen heroes.
Connecticut
Lyman Hall FFA and companion animal science students run a Doggie Daycare program, where they try out grooming skills learned in class on the school staff’s dogs.
Delaware
Chapters, including Appo and Middletown FFA, hosted social-distanced backyard banquets to recognize members and their successes in a safe environment.
Florida
Middleburg FFA hosts an “Unlimited Opportunities Goat Show” to give special needs students hands-on experiences with animals.
Hawaii
Waipahu FFA has partnered with a local business to develop an online store to help generate more profit for its chapter.
Idaho
Because it wasn’t possible to hold the annual Kuna High School veterans assembly, Kuna FFA members placed signs of appreciation in some of their local veterans’ yards.
Illinois
State officers will host a new virtual conference, “Ground Zero,” which will present workshops on passion, character, relationship building and goal-setting.
Iowa
Calamus-Wheatland FFA members volunteered at local polling places on Election Day to help with the declines in polling recruitment due to COVID-19.
Kansas
Member Cali Newdigger is learning about agriculture from all 50 states through her SAE, “50 States of FFA.” She shares products with chapters in other states.
Kentucky
In partnership with Jefferson County Farm Bureau, Seneca FFA helps facilitate the Nulu Bock Fest in Louisville. The chapter organizes and manages a petting zoo and agricultural education stations and assists in the goat races.
Louisiana
When Hurricane Laura struck the state, members answered the call to serve. Several chapters conducted supply drives for affected agricultural education programs. The Elton and St. Amant FFA chapters joined forces to raise money to purchase new jackets for members who lost them. Florien FFA also purchased lost Official Dress for members. We are thankful for these chapters and their contributions!
Maryland
Parkside FFA has prepared its largest-ever offering of container plants this spring. As home gardening blooms worldwide, the chapter has annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs available for customers.
Massachusetts
Silver Lake Horticulture FFA has been doing some amazing work, including clearing land for its school to build a new garage site and using some wood for a firewood and custom sawmilling fundraiser.
Michigan
FFA members spent September and October preparing for the state broiler contest in November. Members participating in the contest raise 25 birds in a competitive setting and bring three birds to Munsell’s Poultry Processing. The birds are judged on weight, uniformity, conformation and a project write-up.
Missouri
Members attended State FFA Leadership Camp through a virtual platform called “Show-Me Leadership Summit.” They gained the same experiences that camp provides, but from the comfort of their homes.
Montana
“From sunup to past sundown, we were always doing activities that helped develop leadership, whether we knew it or not,” reflects Joey TeSelle of the Belgrade FFA, who participated in the 2020 Agricultural Opportunities Tour. Donning their masks, FFA members toured 20 locations in northeasternMontana and met with agriculturists, agronomists and business owners.
Nebraska
Putting the safety of members and staff first, the state decided to conduct leadership conferences and competitions virtually. BerMis FFA connected through Zoom with past National FFA Officer Ridge Hughbanks. He challenged members to make the most of FFA and their time in it, and to step out of their comfort zones.
Nevada
This year, state officers plan to conduct monthly virtual workshops as part of a Chapter Officer Leadership Development Series.
New Hampshire
Starting a new tradition, the Granite State Association of FFA will have a Valentine’s Day Cornhole Fundraiser raise for agricultural education in state.
New Jersey
At the Monmouth County Fair in late July, the Freehold, Monmouth County and Allentown FFA chapters take part in a produce fundraiser that helps fund their chapter activities for the year. These chapters receive donations of produce, such as peaches, blueberries, eggplants and sunflowers, from local farmers.
New Mexico
New Mexico FFA has started its first-ever feature-length podcast. The state officer team takes turns hosting biweekly episodes that discuss everything from leadership to the state’s ag landscape with industry professionals, community members and other special guests.
New York
Members are enjoying the state’s FFA Pen Pal Program, interacting with members from across the state.
North Carolina
Members convene at the North Carolina FFA Center in White Lake for the annual State Leadership Conference each July. FFA members join to develop relationships, leadership skills and a desire to serve.
North Dakota
Carrington FFA hosted a plastic flamingo “flocking” event in which members put plastic flamingos in yards and received monetary donations from community members to “flock” other yards. All proceeds were donated to Carrington CHI St. Alexius Breast Cancer Assistance Program.
Ohio
Crestview FFA hosts a Food for America program around Mother’s Day. Third-grade students rotate between stations that feature different aspects of agriculture, including a welding demonstration, butter making, flower planting, coloring, an equipment tour and a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma FFA members attended the first-ever virtual alumni camp via Zoom, following the camp curriculum from their homes.
Oregon
Henley FFA jumped to action to serve its local food bank, which had a low number of volunteers due to COVID-19. The chapter packed over 220 food boxes for families in need, while practicing social distancing.
Pennsylvania
Cumberland Valley FFA hosted a Zoom Across the Globe, where members heard from Peace Corps volunteers who worked in Africa to develop sustainable agriculture projects and increase food security.
Puerto Rico
In collaboration with the western regional officers and other local organizations, the state officers gave food “agroboxes” to the citizens of Moca.
South Dakota
Chapters take part in a community service event called Feed The Farmers, where members deliver meals to farmers during planting season.
Texas
As part of the Texas FFA Association’s yearlong service initiative, members across the state donate worn-out jeans to The Blue Jeans Go Green program that recycles denim back to its natural fiber state, then into new and useful items.
Virginia
In July, the state officers attended the Farm Bureau Summer Expo in which they toured multiple farms in the state and heard from guest speakers who work with food distribution.
Washington
State officers put out monthly “HARVEST” videos, showcasing the wide variety of agriculture across the Evergreen State to help members gain new perspectives about their industry.
West Virginia
Every March since 1941, the state hosts the State Ham, Bacon and Egg Show and Sale. Members across the state cure and smoke items to be entered for judging.
Wisconsin
Many chapters gave back to their communities by raising funds through selling Ag Strong signs or partnering with local businesses to host food drives and ag product giveaways for those in need.
