Cultivating Leaders

Future Farmers of America is an American organization that helps students get involved in agricultural education. In 1928, the FFA Creed was written by E. M. Tiffany and made official in 1930, marking the beginning. The organization promotes leadership, collaboration, and inclusiveness. They provide 25 events on a national level. Examples include Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous public speaking, Agricultural Issues Forum, and Marketing Plan. Many of these events require students to learn or memorize information related to the organization and agriculture. More than 900,000 students in the United States participate in FFA. Members annually hold conventions, where students can be recognized for different awards, participate in a delegate process, or attend various workshops. FFA is offered at the Waukee Innovation and Learning Center for the student-led group to attain hands-on work experience. They plan events, volunteer, and steward time in helping the local community in different ways. 

When I talked to Emily Olson, a senior, she said, “I would say one of the most challenging aspects of being in FFA is… pushing yourself, especially in contests, because I’ve done a couple where I did public speaking one once and a job interview, and so they’re not necessarily my comfort zones, but being able to push myself out of that comfort zone and do something that’s kind of new.” When asked to describe the program in a word or two she replied with the word “fun” saying, “It’s kind of a dull word… But, I mean, everything you do, it gives you a lot of experience with something, whether that’s just learning more about the agriculture industry, whether that’s like going to tours, whether that’s going to conventions, whether that’s doing any contest. It gives you a lot of connections, it gives you a lot of… fun chances to meet people, and it gives you a lot of new experiences.” Students can participate in a variety of activities they may be interested in, being that there are so many opportunities to learn and gain skills. 

Another student I talked with, Emily Spencer, a senior, mentioned why she joined FFA. She said, “I was inspired to join FFA because I heard that there were scholarships available and opportunities to learn more about agriculture, which I have always been passionate about. Over my years in FFA, I have learned valuable leadership skills and how to get involved and organize activities and camps.” FFA has so much to offer students, it is a free source for them to adapt and grow.

Heidi Mandt, the Agriculture and Bioscience Instructor, expresses why she has loved collaborating with students since starting this year. When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, she replied, “Being able to formulate those relationships with students and get to know them and then again, be able to help them explore what they’re interested in and what they enjoy and hopefully helping them figure out what they want to do post high school to help have an impact on their lives and their career choices and different things like that.” She is excited for this season where she can help students learn more about career choices in more than just agriculture. 

At the Waukee Innovation Learning Center, join FFA at their festive meeting on December 16 at 3:45 PM to decorate cookies, make Christmas cards, and start preparing for upcoming contests. Bring your friends and experience the fun while learning more about what FFA has to offer!