Spring/Summer 2024: FFA in the USA

By |2024-01-05T09:43:27-05:00January 5th, 2024|FFA in the USA, FFA New Horizons, The Feed|
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As you plan your Program of Activities (POA), check out these noteworthy ideas to make your FFA year the best it can be.

Alabama

Southern Choctaw FFA members in grades 10-12 learned about the risks and dangers associated with driving under the influence through maneuvering a small ATV on a driving course while wearing fatal vision goggles.

Alaska

Silent Springs FFA built a dozen hydroponic grow towers, which were distributed to science teachers in the area. Members also hosted a seminar for high school teachers to build their own towers.

Arizona

To help students prepare for finals, Basha FFA hosted a studying and snacks session. After a 15-minute presentation on handling stress, students split into different rooms to study.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Virtual Academy FFA Chapter extends agricultural education to a special needs homeschool cooperative. Through tailored bi-monthly lessons, FFA members mentor students and share learning materials with participating families.

California

During the Lakeside-El Capitan FFA Chapter’s safety conference event, members can earn certifications to operate a forklift, tractor and loader.

Colorado

Manzanola FFA hosted a mock career development event (CDE) for their school’s student body to showcase what they can learn in an agriculture class and FFA.

Connecticut

Woodbury FFA started the Timber Team club, where members compete in wood-related sports like cross-cut sawing, bow sawing, log rolling, axe throwing and pulp tossing.

Delaware

Milford FFA spearheaded the impactful Suck It Up! campaign. Members collaborate with natural resources and environmental industry partners to distribute educational kits and absorbents to local farmers.

Florida

A representative from Duck’s Unlimited shared materials and instructions to help Cottondale FFA members construct their own duck nesting boxes and learn about the area’s wood duck population.

Georgia

The Bonaire Middle FFA Chapter collaborated with its local elementary school to offer Pause for Paws, which helps children learn to read animal body language and avoid dangerous situations.

Hawaii

Using organic techniques, Kea’au FFA members grew fresh vegetables in raised beds and planter bags to feed those on fixed incomes in elderly housing units near the school’s campus.

Idaho

Highland-Craigmont FFA members created videos about local agriculture products and other commodities, which were shared on the chapter’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Illinois

Through an interactive activity, Sterling FFA members learned about the best way to pass farm equipment and how recognize safety concerns when sharing the road.

Indiana

Sullivan FFA produced a video highlighting members’ supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), which was played on a loop during its county fair.

Iowa

Charles City FFA members worked with the local housing department to build 30 raised bed gardens and provide demonstrations for residents living in city-owned housing.

Kansas

Chapman FFA designed a “Where’s the Energy?” activity to raise awareness of the problematic effects of energy drinks. Members selected healthier alternatives (like fruit water) and received a demonstration for making protein balls.

Kentucky

Clark County FFA used a $5,000 grant from the National FFA Organization to build bookshelves resembling barns, which were stocked with agriculture books and placed in every elementary school in the county.

Louisiana

To help students understand impacts of the International Rice Festival and rice production in their community, Crowley FFA created a four-day event known as La Vie Du Riz (The Rice Life).

Maine

Presque Isle FFA members enrolled in agriscience classes made springtime gnomes and cards to spread some cheer to nursing home residents.

Maryland

Parkside FFA and Worcester FFA members restore a historical site, which included enhancing native plant gardens, eradicating invasive species and revamping vegetable beds.

Massachusetts

During its annual fall show, which is now in its 87th year, Bristol FFA members showcase all things related to agriculture.

Michigan

Lapeer County FFA members facilitated a variety of educational exhibits during the Eastern Michigan State Fair.

Minnesota

Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA made care packages for FFA alums currently in college.

Mississippi

McLaurin FFA addressed hunger and higher food prices by hosting two workshops and raising laying hens to provide fresh eggs to the local food pantry.

Missouri

The Pettis County R-V FFA officer team conducts monthly seat belt checks as students and parents arrive at school. Individuals wearing seat belts are rewarded with Life Saver candy, and rewards are given to those who wear their seat belt the most throughout the year.

Montana

During Washington Leadership Conference, two Shepherd FFA members developed a Living to Serve plan named Bags of Hope. The program provides a personalized bag to local foster children each year.

Nebraska

Lakeview FFA members learned how to properly test for nitrates and fecal matter in local streams. After hosting a Test Your Well Night event, members delivered test results to community members.

Nevada

Diamond Mountain FFA members strengthen their advocacy and public speaking skills through giving in-person presentations to their school board and county commissioners.

New Hampshire

To celebrate Maple Month, FFA members and farmers teach the public about maple syrup production in the state.

New Jersey

Buena Regional FFA uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow herbs and vegetables that are incorporated into school lunches. Members also create healthy recipes featuring their produce.

New Mexico

The newly established Organ Mountain FFA Chapter taught students how to use community resources to support good nutrition and build essential life skills such as gardening and cooking.

New York

To show the strength of agriculture in their county, Penn Yan FFA members decorated farm equipment with Christmas lights and coordinated the Lights on Wheels parade during the annual Starshine Celebration.

North Carolina

To advocate for canine health, Lumberton FFA members surveyed their local dog park, then devised a plan to build and install play equipment for dogs and their owners.

North Dakota

After receiving a host site kit from the National Association of Agricultural Educators, Wahpeton FFA celebrated National Teach Ag Day through an event that included classroom decorations and cake.

Ohio

National Trail MVCTC FFA members installed the Enchanted Trail at the Preble County Historical Society. Community children could search for wildlife through “fairy” doors in various trees, and members read books at 12 different kiosks.

Oklahoma

Edmond FFA decided to promote healthy hydration through organizing a weeklong water drinking challenge. Disposable bottles were given to students, then recycled for an environmental project.

Oregon

Dallas FFA partnered with local historical society members and producers to create a display at its county museum. The display features video interviews with former FFA members, local producers and current students.

Pennsylvania

Chambersburg FFA members discussed agriculture education with their local state senator during a legislative breakfast. Members also shared their ideas on a proposed bill to return whole milk to schools.

Puerto Rico

State officers and members were invited to an Agriculture and Entrepreneurship event, where they could learn more about the labor and agriculture business worlds on their island.

Rhode Island

Narragansett FFA competes in the Freeze Off ice cream contest, where teams try to create the best ice cream. Last year, the “Mariner Maple Madness” won first place.

South Carolina

Woodmont Middle School FFA members partnered with their state’s Farm Bureau Federation to create an interactive commodity map game for students, staff and community members.

South Dakota

Bridgewater-Emery FFA hosted a Safety of Farm Youth Camp that brought together students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Tennessee

Hendersonville FFA created 145 bud vases, which were delivered by members to promote agriculture education and strengthen relationships with state officials, including the governor.

Texas

College Station FFA hosted a Christmas meeting with representative Kyle Kacal. Members rotated through three ag literacy stations, where they learned about cotton, cacao, sugar, flour and egg production.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Ivanna Eudora Keen FFA remodeled the backyard of an elderly couple living on the island of St. Thomas. The chapter planted new plants and created a walkway and sitting area for the couple.

Utah

With the help of a local veterinarian, JATC-North FFA and veterinary program students provided essential neuter/spay services and vaccinations to cats. They’re also mapping feral cat colonies in partnership with their local animal shelter.

Vermont

Many chapters run a dairy bar or food booth at local county fairs throughout the summer. These are used to fundraise and help FFA members learn valuable skills.

Virginia

The Liberty FFA officer team hosts a Back to School Membership Drive Tailgate. Food, music and agriculture-related games with prizes and incentives are offered, and members must pay their FFA dues to attend.

Washington

To increase engagement, Goldendale Middle School FFA members can earn parts of the FFA emblem for each event they attend. The emblems adorn paper FFA jackets hanging outside their classroom.

West Virginia

Mineral County FFA wanted to provide a better food supply system for the community and investigate innovative economic opportunities. After obtaining a commercial fish processing license, the chapter filleted, smoked, packaged and donated 240 Atlantic salmon fillets.

Wisconsin

Osseo-Fairchild FFA hosted an Open Season Supper before deer hunting season, where local Department of Natural Resources representatives discussed safety practices and answered questions.

Wyoming

Seeing participation at chapter meetings decrease, Green River FFA officers spiced things up by creating themed meetings. These included an activity and dress-up contest, where members could be rewarded for being the best dressed.

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