When thinking of agriculture and FFA, the first few things that come to most of our minds are farms, tractors and animals. The one thing we usually don’t picture is books! 

It may sound like a wacky combination, but Hanford FFA members within the strengthening agriculture committee hosted a successful and popular event where student went on a “blind date” with a book!

Hanford FFA members picked up a mystery agricultural-themed book of their choosing, which they were given a month to read. At the end of the month, members turned in either a book trailer video, an infographic, a podcast episode, or a video reflection on their book. 

Hanford FFA member Isaiah Escalera explains how to choose a mystery book.

The Results 

Blind Date with a Book boosted agricultural literacy within the chapter and inspired an excitement for learning about agriculture in Hanford FFA members. Members reported enjoying their stories and realizing a love for reading, which they thought had been lost. The turnout for the event was more than expected, and members were deeply engaged and truly excited. With fun music blasting and members mingling, it was an event to remember! 

Strengthening agriculture committee members learned about hosting entertaining and successful events, as well as how to effectively engage people with agriculture. They acquired problem-solving, critical thinking, and event planning skills through running the Blind Date with a Book event! These leaders will go forth to continue strengthening agriculture within the community! 

 Hanford FFA members line up to collect their mystery books.

Spreading the Joy

Jason Ferreira, Hanford FFA agriculture teacher and strengthening agriculture advisor, shared the joy of Blind Date with a Book at the NAAE conference in Nashville, Tennessee. 

“​​This week, over 1,000 agriculture teachers from across the nation shared compliments about the success they see from you — our amazing Ag/FFA students — on the Hanford FFA social media page. Several teachers even requested meetings with me so they could learn from Hanford’s example and strengthen their own agricultural education and FFA programs in their states. It was truly a bucket-filling, heart-warming experience.” – Mr. Ferreira, on his workshop on Blind Date with a Book, which he presented at the NAAE conference early December. 

Consider hosting a similar event at your campus to inspire connection and joy. Whether it be with books, podcasts, magazines, or articles, be prepared for excitement and a robust involvement from your chapter!