It’s been 1,300 miles since my last blog and things have been bustling in Farm Bureau. We have had a successful YFA event in the district, been promoting membership and getting materials into our member’s hands and we just finished up FFA Farm Forum at the end of National FFA Week. And let me tell you, the future of agriculture is looking bright.
Let’s start with a little background. FFA Farm Forum is a conference for high school juniors who are interested in a career in the agriculture industry. Throughout the two-day event, students attend workshops, network with other FFA members from around the state and hear from keynote speakers who provide inspiration for their future in agriculture. One of the speakers was Rick Roden, a Farm Bureau member from Ozaukee County who started as his county YFA chair and just finished up his term on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Ranchers Committee. Members also heard from Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Jim Holte and they finished the conference by listening to Carrie Mess a.k.a. Dairy Carrie share her message about agvocating for the agriculture industry.
I had the opportunity to present a workshop with the District 1 Coordinator Patti Roden about addressing misconceptions in the agriculture industry. Throughout our 50 minute presentation, we identified misconceptions and how to deal with them. We discussed the role that social media plays in being proactive in spreading agriculture’s message and how important it is for everyone to share their story and what they know about the agriculture industry. We even played an old fashion game of telephone to show how misconceptions begin. What was really great to see was how FFA members from across the state rose to the challenge and started sharing their messages instantly. There were great small group discussions about what each of them had done to share their story and what they, as FFA members, can do to encourage others to share their message.
It was the enthusiasm that these FFA members have for the agriculture industry and the skills that they are gaining as leaders in their community that has me believing in the future of agriculture. They are truly living the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany. As the third paragraph states, “I believe in leadership from ourselves and respect from others. I believe in my own ability to work efficiently and think clearly, with such knowledge and skill as I can secure, and in the ability of progressive agriculturists to serve our own and the public interest in producing and marketing the product of our toil.” FFA members are moving forward, they are being proactive and have a willingness to share their message with encouragement from FFA advisors and leaders in the agriculture community.
Want to see other highlights from Farm Forum?
Be sure to check out the Farm Bureau Flickr page for photos as there were many other workshops, a mock discussion meet and dance (I cleared the dance floor after requesting 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton…really? Apparently, young people don’t appreciate great music!). If you know an FFA member who will be a junior next year, encourage them to attend. It is definitely worth their time. Until next time!
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