More than 300 FFA members, advisors and guests from across Wisconsin attended Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s FFA Farm Forum in Rothschild on Feb. 13.
“FFA Farm Forum provides the next generation of agricultural leaders with valuable experiences and essential leadership skills,” said WFBF President Brad Olson. “We appreciate FFA members taking part, as they are not only investing in their own growth but also in the future of agriculture.”
The keynote speaker was Lashawna Vogel, UW-River Falls Collegiate Farm Bureau member. Vogel spoke about how organizations like FFA and Farm Bureau can help you find your place in agriculture, no matter your background.
“When organizations like FFA and Farm Bureau work together, it forms a stronger agricultural community because we are all working together toward the goal of bettering Wisconsin agriculture,” said Vogel. “Attending conferences and workshops hosted by FFA and Farm Bureau help us explore opportunities in agriculture.”
During the one-day event, FFA members attended career-based workshops including: ‘Broadcast Bootcamp’ with Stephanie Hoff of Mid-West Farm Report Radio Network; ‘The Sky is the Limit: Exploring the New Technology of Ag Drones’ with Grant Buwalda of Rock River Seed & Chemical LLC; ‘Rooted in Safety: Growing Young Farmers with Smart Practices’ with Melissa Ploeckelman of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety; ‘Staying Connected to Agriculture as a Meat Scientist’ with Jeff Sindelar of the University of Wisconsin-Madison; ‘Pathways to Your Future in Natural Resources’ with Betsy Doolittle and Josh Odekirk of USDA-NRCS; and ‘Growing Your Network and Community’ with Haley Hartung Kaufman of Tractor Supply and Petals & Plows.
“FFA Farm Forum is a valuable collaboration between Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin FFA, fostering leadership development and career exploration in agriculture,” said WFBF Director of Young Leader Programs Melissa Jacobson. “We’re proud to support and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.”
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation sponsors FFA Farm Forum in cooperation with the Wisconsin Association of FFA. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1988 to provide support for agricultural education and leadership programs. Through donations and other contributions, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation invests time and resources to support the next generation of agriculturists.
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