The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is celebrating its organization this week dubbing it “FFA Week.” FFA is a youth leadership organization for students in agricultural education. Students in the FFA focus their programming efforts around growing leaders, building our local communities, and strengthening agriculture.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA kicked off its celebration of National FFA Week February 18-25, 2023. National FFA Week embraces more than 95 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. Thousands of student members along with alumni and supporters across the country will participate in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels.
National FFA Week was designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday giving FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their schools and communities learn about FFA and agricultural education.
Wisconsin FFA kicked off FFA Week by holding “FFA Day at the Capitol”. Over 150 FFA members and 30 advisors from across the state (including several from the Madison area) convened at
the capitol for the event. Students arrived on Sunday night to learn more about how to have conversations with legislators and how to craft their agriculture and FFA messages.
Monday’s activities kicked off with a series of guest speakers. They included: WI FFA State President Casey Denk; WI State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly; WI Department of Workforce Development Deputy Secretary Pam McGillivray; WI Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski; and WI FFA Foundation Board President Tom Bressner. At the conclusion of his remarks, Secretary Romanski was honored to present an FFA Week proclamation to the WI FFA State President. The Secretary was presenting this on behalf of the governor who was unable to attend the event.
From 9:30 until noon students were seen visiting with legislators putting into practice their work from the night before. Students also had displays placed around the rotunda showcasing a variety of student projects. At noon, a group of students from the State FFA Band and Choir performed with a 45 minute concert. FFA members are now making their way back to their local communities to wrap up their week with events such as agriculture Olympics, community service projects, agriculture awareness activities, and more.
Today, FFA helps to mold the next generation of leaders who will change the world. As the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the nation, FFA helps young people meet new agricultural challenges by developing their unique talents and exploring their interests in a broad range of career pathways. FFA members are our future leaders, our future food suppliers and our future innovators!
Leave a Reply