Stop the Bleed, Start the Conversation: FFA Members in Action
Two officers read a book to a group of elementary students.
In Georgia, the Rome Middle School FFA Chapter focused on growing leaders by executing a year-long elementary literacy project. This project was designed to help the chapter’s officer team to enhance public speaking and project management skills.
In September 2025, six officers researched age-appropriate agricultural books and evaluated options that aligned with elementary literacy standards. They collaboratively developed a formal written proposal outlining the project’s purpose, budget and expected impact. The officers then prepared and delivered a professional presentation to the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Board of Directors to request grant funding. Thanks to the generosity of GFB, the chapter received a grant to purchase six classroom book bins.
Strengthening Roots Through the Power of Reading
During National FFA Week, officers traveled to all elementary schools in the Rome City District. They read selected agricultural books to students, facilitated discussions about where food and fiber come from, and served as positive role models and mentors. Officers mobilized throughout the district to deliver these educational resources to a cohort exceeding 250 students, prioritizing the advancement of agricultural literacy and the establishment of professional mentorship.
Stop the Bleed and Learn From Professionals
It can never be a successful FFA Week without getting the community involved. Partnering with Atrium Health, Rome Middle School FFA members also identified a critical need for improved emergency preparedness within the local farming community.
The chapter partnered with Atrium Health to coordinate a safety outreach initiative targeting the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and local Young Farmers meetings. Members researched common agricultural injuries and developed informational talking points to accompany the outreach effort.
An Atrium Health nurse shows a demonstration on a student.
Inside the classroom, students prepared and presented professional-grade first aid kits to all attendees while coordinating a “Stop the Bleed” educational demonstration led by Atrium Health professionals. Farm safety is measurable by reaching 100% of meeting attendees, achievable through a strategic medical partnership, relevant to the industry’s need for emergency preparedness, and strictly time-bound to the February observance.
By equipping producers with both physical tools and life-saving knowledge, members took an active role in protecting the human capital essential to their local agricultural economy.
An FFA member practices on Mrs. Hamby, the Rome Middle School FFA advisor.
The Rome Middle School FFA Chapter went above and beyond during this year’s National FFA Week. Not only did it involve local community members, but it also took six months to plan ahead for it to be a success and for everyone to learn and have fun.
The chapter thanks GFB for its incredible support and contributions, which strengthened FFA programs and significantly helped children learn more about agriculture.
