The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an American nonprofit career and student organization, which provides education to high school students about agriculture. At FVHS, students interested in the organization engage in many events including field trips, the NC State Fair and various games.
The FFA provides students with leadership skills and career success through agricultural education. Students participate in career development events and compete with other FFA teams, such as poultry and horse evaluation, chicken coop design contest, and agricultural mechanics competition.
Members involved in the FFA belong to chapters, based on where they reside. Eight members are in each chapter, which include, the secretary, president, sentinel, treasurer, reporter, historian, advisor, parliamentarian, and chaplain. Agricultural educators serve as the chapter’s advisors. As an agriculture teacher, Micheal Bowden serves as the advisor. Bowden studied agricultural education at North Carolina State University, to become an agriculture teacher.
“I love FFA, the principles it instills and believe that FFA continues to be the best student leadership organization in agriculture,” said Bowden.
FFA members participate in many events, including the National FFA convention. Members of the FFA examine agricultural careers in eight areas, including agribusiness systems, animal systems, biotechnology systems, environmental service systems, food products and processing systems, natural resources systems, plant systems, and power, structural and technical Systems.
Bowden and students participated at the National Convention on October 22.
“At the National Convention, students compete in competitions, attend leadership workshops, convention sessions, trade shows, take tours on career success in agriculture and local attractions,” said Bowden.
Junior Luke Foote serves as the president of the FFA. As president he leads meetings and chapter activities.
“I love the FFA, and I love being president. It’s definitely helped me accomplish goals throughout my life. The FFA has taught me great leadership skills, and how to work with my team,” said Foote.
Students participate in the national convention for five full days of leadership and career development, they also learn about agriculture on a national and global scale. During these days, students can win awards for their talents and accomplishments as individuals, teams, and chapters.
Overall the FFA paves a positive future for its students, by helping them develop helpful skills for college.
