NATIONAL FFA WEEK

Future Farmers of America (FFA) is much more than an elective interest in school. It is a source applied to one’s life that will benefit and provide one with the necessary knowledge and experience to succeed and thrive independently. The National FFA Organization was founded in 1928 by Henry C. Groseclose, Edmund Magill, Walter Stephenson Newman, and Harry Sanders, a group of adolescent farmers hoping to make an impact. It was that year, on Nov. 20, that 33 delegates from 18 states gathered around the Hotel Baltimore at 11th and Baltimore St in Kansas City, MO. There, the FFA organization was constructed. Their quest was to prepare future generations for the challenges and obstacles of feeding and growing populations. Because of their passion and hard work, it is known that agriculture stretches far beyond just farming and livestock; it’s a science, a business and livelihood, and a form of art and precision.

“I have been surrounded by agriculture my whole life. My family has had many generations of FFA members as well as officers. FFA has taught me many valuable life skills, such as the ability to speak confidently in front of a crowd and have leadership skills to help others when needed,” stated Cordell FFA President Carlie Banks.

The National FFA Organization is a youth leadership-based organization that positively Current Cordell FFA Chapter President Carlie Banks with her Dad, Clint Banks

impacts the lives of the younger generation. A difference that will stay with them for many years and well into adulthood by evolving their potential for premier leadership, self-development, and a prosperous future career through agriculture education.

“FFA is so much more than showing an animal; I am the perfect example of that. I have been involved in the shooting sports team for four years and held an officer position for three years. I will always encourage students to be part of this wonderful organization. It helps you develop skills that will be useful throughout your life and gives you so many opportunities and experiences. The skills that I have learned from being part of the FFA will prove to be very useful in the career path that I have chosen,” said Banks.

Paul Harvey, an American Radio Broadcaster, gave the speech “So God Made A Farmer” at the 51st Future Farmers of America Convention in Kansas City in November 1978. In that speech, he said, “God said, ‘I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper, then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.’” Former Cordell FFA Chapter Treasurer Nocona Cook was involved with this paramount organization in high school from 1999 through 2004. He continued his membership in college until 2007 when he was named a finalist for Star Farmer of America.

“Some of the best lessons I learned during my time in FFA were that hard work and persistence will always pay off in the end and never be afraid to be a leader,” Cook stated. “I set a goal in my 8th grade year to be the Star Farmer of Oklahoma, which is FFA’s version of a state championship. I achieved that goal through hard work and dedication throughout my high school career in 2004. Being an active member and using the lessons I learned in FFA helped me reach that goal. FFA is also great at producing leaders in their communities. The leadership qualities and public speaking skills I learned in the FFA have definitely helped me get to where I am now. As the fire chief, school board member, and Oklahoma Board of Agriculture member, I use the skills I learned in FFA daily. I never could have imagined in high school I would be in the positions I am currently in, but I credit the FFA, in a large part, for preparing me when the opportunities arose.”

FFA reaches far beyond local students. Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, FFA Chapter in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Tim McGraw, FFA Chapter in Start, Louisiana, were active members in this highly educational and advantageous organization. Chris Kyle, a United States Navy SEAL sniper, was a former FFA officer who showed cattle and exemplified the values of this organization.

“I would encourage everyone in school to be a member of the FFA. The FFA provides many different opportunities for students to learn about agriculture and be productive members of society. The FFA is not just about showing an animal, as many think. It gives kids the opportunity to learn how to be good public speakers and how to be good leaders. FFA offers many different programs for kids to enjoy, like shooting sports, livestock showing and judging, speech contests, horticulture, ag mechanics, and so many more. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without the FFA’s influence on me,” said Cook.