SALUTING FFA

Growing up on my family’s dairy farm located near Seattle, Washington, my parents’ taught sister JoAnn and I the importance of planning, discipline, hard work, generosity and commitment to our community. Of course, ‘up at 5am’ days were the norm on a working dairy farm, but it is the philosophy of giving that has stayed with me throughout my entire life.

Given this exposure to agribusiness at an early age – and because we started enjoying some financial success in the staffing industry beginning in the 1980s - the FFA and 4-H organizations were natural ‘go to’ charities for gifts and contributions. 

In fact, it was the FFA, 4-H and Rotary organizations which formed my early interest in Western values, Cowboy ways and aspirations to own a ranch, a cattle breeding operation and working ranches in the Midwest and Southwest.

Speaking at FFA conventions for the last several decades [ and humbly receiving the VIP Citation Award by National FFA Organization at the 92nd National Convention ], it is their mission which should be highlighted, revered and promoted.

The mission statement of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is to:

• Develop students' potential for personal growth, leadership, and career success through agricultural education

• Make a positive difference in the lives of students

• Increase awareness of the importance of agriculture to well-being

Strengthen students' confidence in themselves and their work

As I have enjoyed more than 80 birthdays on this beautiful earth, I salute the group of young farmers who created FFA in 1928 with a goal to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Today, this school-based organization has over 945,000 student members in 9,163 local chapters across the United States.

FFA Fun Facts:

·         Colors

The FFA's official colors are National Blue and Corn Gold. The blue comes from the American flag, and the gold comes from corn fields. 

·         Creed

The FFA Creed expresses the values of citizenship, patriotism, and a strong belief in agriculture. 

·         Membership

Women were officially allowed to join the FFA in 1969. Today, 38% of FFA members are female, and women hold more than half of state leadership positions. 

·         Symbols

The FFA's symbols include: 

·         Plow: Represents labor and tilling the soil 

·         Eagle: Represents patriotism and the national scope 

·         Rising Sun: Represents progress in agriculture 

·         Cross section of an ear of corn: Represents the agricultural link between states 

·         Owl: Represents wisdom and knowledge 

·         War Effort

During World War II, FFA members helped produce food and fiber, raised funds for troops, and served in the armed forces. 

·         Not just for farmers

The FFA is open to students who want to be teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners, and more.