Olney FFA and Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences FFA members pose for a picture in front of the farm gate.
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready for a 245-mile trip up north in Illinois! It’s time for the Olney FFA Chapter to go on a road trip.
From Nov. 14-15, 2024, the Olney FFA Chapter completed the first of a two-part chapter exchange with the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) FFA Chapter.
“Their high school was really cool,” says Olney FFA member Emma Hefferman. “I hope that one day we, too, can have a school farm and raise livestock to teach our members.”
Fresh on the Farm
Upon arrival, the excitement on the Olney FFA members’ faces made the four-hour trek worth it. They were excited to be immersed in a world of endless agricultural opportunities. For these reasons, they toured not only the school, but also the school’s farm, which is the last working one in the city of Chicago. After lunch, it was time to head into the pathways.
Olney FFA Chapter members feed and pet the cows at CHSAS farm.
A CHSAS student’s pathway is selected as he or she enters junior year of high school, and it’s very similar to a college major. It’s an area of interest the student has chosen to focus their time in throughout the rest of their education. Their options range from horticulture to agricultural finance.
During their visit to CHSAS, each Olney FFA member chose a pathway to explore for the afternoon. They assisted in building a wood project, cooking or filleting a fish. Afterward, a cookout, game of tag, laughter and new friends brought night one to a close.
Into the City
Wearing hats and gloves, members rode the train into the city for a day of sightseeing and yummy food. As the Willis Tower and Lake Michigan appeared, every member was speechless. While walking around the city, some of the most interesting sights included the Chicago Board of Trade Building, the Chicago Theatre and the Bean.
Members even got featured on CBS Chicago for donating money to the Salvation Army. After the eventful morning, there was only one logical thing to do: Eat some famous Chicago style pizza.
Excited members pose for the camera in front of the CBS building in Chicago.
Next, it was time for Navy Pier. Although the breeze off the lake made the temperature drop 15 degrees, the views were worth it. As members looked out, the Chicago skyline enveloped their vision and they realized the beauty of the city.
Back to the Cornfields
“It was really exciting to learn how different agriculture can be based on the area,” says Olney FFA member Natalie Zwilling. “Coming from a rural area, it was truly amazing to see how urban agriculture works.”
Members wave goodbye to Chicago via the Bean.
From this experience, Olney FFA Chapter members not only made friendships that will last a lifetime, but also learned about a new side of agriculture. Additionally, CHSAS practices urban agriculture, which is different from traditional practices Olney members are used to. Through this experience, members learned both types of agriculture will be a vital part of the world in the future.
Both the Olney and CHSAS members learned so much from this opportunity. They agree if you ever get a chance to participate in a chapter exchange, do it. At the end of the day, the friendships you make are priceless.
