FFA Week: Current members discuss what they get out of FFA

By Taylor Quade

Charles City High School FFA

To me, FFA has provided chances to become a better person, develop and apply my passions, and be an advocate for agriculture. Through FFA, I have been able to participate in many rewarding activities and leadership roles: the Livestock Judging team, Food Science and Technology CDE team, Parliamentary Procedure team, and many others, each culminating in state level competitions.

Other leadership roles have included presenting on stage at the National FFA Convention, discussing ATV safety at Farm Safety Day, talking with legislators at the Iowa FFA Legislative Symposium, and simply being the chapter’s secretary for the 2022-23 school year.

I have also had the amazing chance to be a mentor through the PALS program – Partner’s in Active Learning Support – and it has allowed me to connect with an elementary student.

FFA has also allowed me to travel not only across the state of Iowa, but across the Midwest – from competing at a swine judging contest in Austin, Minnesota, to enjoying the sessions, shopping mall, and overall experience of the 94th and 95th National Convention in Indianapolis.

Through these many miles, I have gained lots of friends and memories that I will treasure for years to come.

Being involved in an organization that impacts not just myself, but so many people, FFA, and agriculture in general, is a place anyone can enjoy a great experience.

FFA is not all about “sows, cows, and plows.” It is about career success, personal growth, and premier leadership. It shows many kids, including me, the importance of a good work ethic and following one’s passions.

One thing I have deeply come to appreciate is the opportunity FFA gives students to become better citizens, friends, and leaders. FFA is truly invested in “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

By Jada Litterer

Charles City High School FFA

FFA has truly shaped me into the person that I strive to be every day. It holds me to my morals and surrounds me with love and support from my FFA family.

I really got into FFA my freshman year and since then have grown and become more dedicated every day to the organization.

I never grew up on a farm or had animals when I was younger. My (now) FFA advisor told me that one day I would show goats at the fair. Since then I have been able to show chickens, goats and pigs at the Floyd County Fair.

I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the help from my advisors, and the constant encouragement from all the other FFA members who constantly made me feel welcomed and at home. I would never guess that this is something I would be so passionate about, but it has grown to be something I love.

FFA has taught me a few things like leadership, responsibility and the importance of friendship.

Most of the leadership roles I have taken on have been from FFA activities and I am blessed to be given a chance to try new things. Being responsible has always been on the top of my list because I want others to know I care.

Lastly is friendships. The bonds I have formed with FFA members are unbreakable and I know I can always count on my fellow members.

I am so proud to be a member of FFA and can’t wait for what the future holds.