Morgan Watkins didn’t grow up on a farm or know much about agriculture when she joined the Fort Osage FFA Chapter as a freshman, and she admits she felt lost initially.
“I remember thinking, ‘What is an SAE project? How can I still be successful if I’m not involved in farming?’” she recalls.
As Watkins got more involved with FFA — she currently serves as her chapter’s vice president — she discovered that FFA was welcoming to members from all backgrounds. The realization led Morgan to start a blog, Blooming Into Agriculture, to highlight the experiences of FFA members nationwide.
We caught up with Watkins to discuss the blog, what she’s learned in the process, and how it has impacted her career aspirations.
Q: Why did you want to start a blog?
A: During the COVID-19 quarantine, I was yearning for a connection to agriculture. I wanted to share stories to get more people involved in the industry and encourage others to join FFA.
Q: How did you choose the title, Blooming Into Agriculture?
A: I decided on Blooming Into Agriculture because whether you come from a farm background or not, you can still bloom and discover what the industry has to offer.
Q: Where did you find FFA members to interview for the blog?
A: I posted on my social media, “If you’re involved in agriculture, I would love to feature you on this site.” I had five people reach out, and it grew from there. It really got going when I posted in the National FFA Facebook group. I have 84 profiles of students for the Blooming Into Agriculture blog and a waiting list of people wanting to share their stories.
Q: Is there a common theme that stands out to you?
A: The thing that stands out to me is that everyone is different. Their stories can go from beekeeping to raising cattle to an agriculture communications project. It’s fascinating to me how much diversity there is in FFA.
Q: How has FFA helped you become a better communicator and agriculture advocate?
A: The Blooming Into Agriculture blog has allowed me to talk to so many people in the ag industry. I’ve talked to [Nashville recording artist] Stephanie Nash, who created the Time Changes Chapter Scholarship, and I recently published a post about the 93rd National FFA Convention and the virtual National FFA Officer election process. I talked to the new national officers and some past officers, and it taught me how to feel comfortable reaching out and networking and communicating with people and sharing their stories.
Q: What kind of feedback have you received about the blog?
A: I’ve gotten a lot of great feedback. One ag educator said his students didn’t all come from ag backgrounds and the blog helped them see that you can still find your place in FFA and the agriculture industry.
Q: What effect has the blog had on you?
A: Since starting Blooming Into Agriculture, I dove deeper into agriculture communications. I think it would be amazing if I could make it a career and continue to share other stories and advocate for agriculture.
