Future Farmers of America week is almost here, and many activities are planned for members of the organization. There will be meetings with government representatives, appreciation meals for the community, high school dress-up days, agriculture awareness events and many more activities. Local FFA student members weighed in on their experiences with the program:

Q&A with Christopher Quale

School: Southland High School

Age: 17

Grade: 12

Q: Why did you get involved in FFA?

A: I got involved in the FFA because I wanted to be on the horse-judging team and be involved in the chapter activities.

Q: What kind of activities and events do you work with through FFA?

A: I have been involved with the Horse-Judging team, Nursery Landscape, Wildlife, and the Trap team. I also work at the breakfast on the farm and at the kids’ barn yard during the county fair. I have done two proficiency Fruit Production Placement and Beef Production Placement. I am currently serving as the chapter President.

Q: What skills have you gained through FFA?

A: I have gained many skills through the FFA, like communication between members of the community, school and our chapter. I have also gained organization skills by having to plan chapter activities and coordinate with other school activities, and plan to get supplies for the different things that our chapter does.

Q: How do you hope to use those skills in the future?

A: I hope to use these skills by carrying them to my job by communicating with my employer and fellow employees. I also hope to carry on my organization and planning skills to my job so I can stay on task and work without needing to be supervised all the time.

Q: What are some of your favorite FFA memories?

A: My favorite FFA memories are going to the State Convention two years and going to the National Convention one year. On those trips I went to different workshops and meetings to help further my skills and help the chapter out. But my most favorite memory was last summer going to the state leadership camp; it was my second time going so I knew what to expect. The camp really helped me step out of my comfort zone, it allowed me to communicate with other members from around the state, and to bring new ideas back to my chapter to help make it stronger.

Q: What is the most fun with being involved with the group?

A: It allows you to hear other people’s ideas and gives you a place to express your ideas as well. It is fun when you are working with a group and planning activities and in the end what you are planning turns out to be success and everybody has fun with it.

Q: Why would you recommend joining FFA to other students?

A: I would recommend joining because it is the most important thing I have done with my high school career. It helps you develop skills that you wouldn’t get as much from a class room. It is a lot of real-life situations that you would deal with in everyday life. A tip if you do join: you have to take control of what you do, you can only be involved as much as you want. So you have to be the one and go, “I want to do that” or “that looks fun, I’m going to do that.” You have to take control and not just sit on the side, like “I wish I could do that.” You can, you just have to go and try.

 

Q&A with Kaylyn Naatz

School: Blooming Prairie High

Age: 17

Grade: 11

Q: Why did you get involved in FFA?

A: My sister was in it and she loved it. FFA had so much to offer her, especially coming from an AG based family and living on a farm. We both fell in love with FFA and everything it has to offer.

Q: What kind of activities and events do you work with through FFA?

A: There are many CDE’s (Career Development Events) to choose from, however, I am on the General Livestock Team where we have competed at Regions and State Levels. I’ve also competed at Little International in Brookings, South Dakota. I am also in Dairy Handling CDE, where it’s showing your animal to it’s full potential (showmanship). I have made it to state every year since eighth grade and I have placed in the top 10 every year. Showing livestock is my pride and passion and I am so glad I have FFA to help me show my passion and to become better at what I love.

Q: What skills have you gained through FFA?

A: There are many skills I have gained in the past five years since I’ve been in FFA. I have learned many leadership skills: how to become a better leader, how to deal with conflict, and how to wake up extra early for competition. Since being in FFA I have opened up and am not as shy anymore. I can now talk in front of anyone. From just going to competitions or going to leadership camps like SGLC and SLCCL, I can tell it’s made a difference on me by the end of the day. I wouldn’t be who I am today without this great organization.

Q: How do you hope to use those skills in the future?

A: I hope my skills and my pride for FFA stay with me as the years go on. I hope I can pass on my passion to others just as my sister and the people I’ve met along the way have done for me. I want kids to know that FFA isn’t just for farm kids. It’s for town, city and country kids. The greatest part about FFA is that no one judges you. You’re all there for the same reason and most likely you’re all dressed in the same corduroy jacket and black pants.

Q: What are some of your favorite FFA memories?

A: I could go on and on about the memories I’ve made through FFA, from State Convention and showing dairy cattle to National Conventions in Louisville, Kentucky, to going to concerts, meeting people from all over the US and being able to see how many people love and support the same organization as I do. I love seeing people’s pride for FFA and where they come from. Even coming from a small town, our little community has a lot of support and the Blooming Prairie FFA chapter is very thankful for that.

Q: What is the most fun with being involved with the group?

A: Meeting new people and going on long trips is one of the neatest things. I know if it weren’t for FFA, I would not have some of my best friends today. FFA gives you an experience you can’t get from just going to school every day or playing sports. It opens your eyes to things you thought you would never do. No matter what your interests are, FFA has something to offer you.

Q: Why would you recommend joining FFA to other students?

A: FFA is about showing off what you love to do. It’s about learning how to become a better leader, friend, and in general how to become a better person, one that you’re comfortable with. FFA was there for me in hard times and good times. I can honestly say if you’re gong through hard times, or just need help, your FFA family will always be there for you no matter what. I would definitely recommend joining FFA as soon as you can. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on!