Staff Report

How you going to keep them on the farm, after they’ve seen Paree?” was the old saying asked after World War I of farm kids who had seen Paris and other European cities in the Army.

How indeed. This was a very real issue even 100 years ago, as the Roaring Twenties and other distractions combined to make farm living unappealing to many youth, even as agriculture and farm life were (and still remain) foundational to settled human existence and community. So what was the long-term solution, at least in part?

FFA, an acronym standing for “Future Farmers of America.”

With the local FFA chapter chartered in 1929

See FFA MEMBERSHIP, Page 10

Whether you’re in it for fun and camaderie or just the Ag Education, the Future Farmers of America has something for everyone. Photos courtesy Stanley-Boyd FFA Facebook page. FFA MEMBERSHIP

FROM PAGE 3 (See page 6 Look Backs) and the organization itself stretching back even further, the FFA today welcomes not just future farmers but also “members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more,” Stanley-Boyd Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor Jordan Donnerbauer shared via email.

Committed to each individual student, the National FFA Organization (as its name was updated to in 1988) can help provide members with a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

“FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of agricultural career pathways,” Donnerbauer shared.

Along with agriculture education, FFA also helps members gain confidence, learn teamwork, strengthen their communication skills, develop a strong work ethic, and hone their soft skills.

“FFA members can compete in judging contests, speaking contests, attend leadership conferences and conventions, and take part in many community service activities,” Donnerbauer said of opportunities open to those who join. Meetings are held once a month on the third Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m., with the next meeting this Monday April 19th.

If you or someone you know is interested in FFA membership, more information on joining is possible by contacting either Mr. Donnerbauer at Stanley-Boyd or one of the student officers, with dues priced at just $15 a year—a small sum to learn and have fun at the same time!