For over 100 years, Future Farmers Association, or FFA has allowed students to learn a sense of responsibility, leadership while meeting new people and learning new things. To celebrate the contribution of the organization, the group has designated Feb. 15-22 as National FFA week.
According to ffa.org, each year, FFA celebrates National FFA Week. It’s a time for chapters around the nation to share the impact FFA has on members.
Students in FFA learn many things, from how to care for and show animals to leadership and social responsibility. It takes dedication and commitment to keep up with everything, but students often come out better on the other side.
“FFA has taught me not only to be compatible with others but also how to work harder,” junior Roddie Honea said. “It is a lot of responsibility taking care of an animal and staying on top of things around the barn, as well as your other school duties.”
People in FFA tend to spend lots of time together before and after school. Being in the barn to take care of animals causes people to spend a lot of time in close contact with each other, and friendships are built as time passes.
“I like the amount of people that I have met, the friends I’ve made from being in FFA,” junior Sidney Mizell said. “It is like a community or a family, and it is nice to be around people who have the same interests as you.”
Many people assume that FFA is for people who are strictly going into agriculture careers after high school, but that’s not true. Many FFA members will say that it is more than just the agricultural side; it is about the traits and lessons it teaches.
“Even if you don’t plan on going into agriculture after high school, FFA is a valuable experience,” junior Raeliegh Wolever Batts said. “I have learned so many things and spent so much time at the barn with my animals, it has been really fun. I think anyone should join, even if you are nervous because it is something new.”
