Pop quiz for all you hot shots out there, what does FFA really mean? Is it
A. future farmers of America
B. free fatty acid
C. free for all
D. none of the above.
If you guessed A, well you’re wrong. The actual answer is D, none of the above. FFA hasn’t meant Future Farmers of America since 1988. FFA just means the national FFA organization. Surprised? I thought so.
FFA has many branches connected to it such as agriculture, small animal care, etc.. FFA has teams that compete both state and nation wide. They have showings at the state fair, go to conventions that involve people from all around America.
“FFA gives you binds you’ll have forever.” Said junior Alex Hagen.
Just recently, Alex Hagen had the opportunity to go to an FFA boot camp. The boot camp was held in St.Paul, Minnesota and gave our Local FFA members the chance to speak with the governor about agriculture and his point of view on the policy. There were 20 reps that met and they were advocating for their chapters.
The FFA general livestock team were ranked the champion team at the Sioux Falls convention. At the convention, there were 47 teams from five states and we ranked the champions. It shows that true dedication will pay off both now and in the future.
Yet another great opportunity about FFA is getting involved with charity. Over the years, FFA has raised so much money for charities such as helping out adoption families and giving kids presents for Christmas that can’t afford it. Some of their fundraisers include the corn drive and fruit sales. Last year, after all expenses paid, they made approximately $14,000. This years fruit sales went above and beyond with $47,000. From the corn drive, they donated about $4,500. You earn some, you give some.
Not only do people with extracurricular activities join for fun, but some also join for leadership opportunities. People that join for the leadership opportunity know that it will look good on a college and job application when applying. Some people may not know this but FFA if is the largest youth organization in America. There are over 500,000 FFA members in America alone. If you happen to go to a national convention, you’ll see over 52,000 people dressed in their blue corduroy jackets. FFA is recommended to anybody, especially those of you interested in animals and farming.
Can’t show up to a monthly meeting, not a big deal. You’re not going to be kicked out of FFA. In fact, if you want to be in FFA, all you have to do is pay your dues. Paying dues is an easy way to stay in an extra activity without being stressed. Dues are $20 for 1 year of membership. Compared to the normal activity fees, this is quite a deal.
“Work hard now, you’ll have it easier for the next 50 years,” said FFA adviser Kim Meyer.
Kim Meyer has been the FFA advisor for 31 years beside the time between 2004-2010. Otherwise, he has been working very hard and has been dedicated to this for life. In those 6 years he didn’t advise, they had three different advisors. Now that Meyer is back to advising FFA, he is very happy. Meyer believes that doing good in the future requires a great education.
“The key was education.” Meyer said.
If you are interested in being a member of FFA, locate Kim Meyer in Room f208 for more information.
top: Senior Grady Ruble is judging a hog show. many people watched the hog show. “I plan on being in career involving cattle,” said Ruble.
photo by robin crawford
middle: Senior Jack Thompson is getting ready to show his hog. he has been in FFA before. “FFA is a very good thing to do,” said Thompson.
photo by karlee anderson