A Salute to the 4-H & FFA

The agriculture industry is one of the world’s most sturdy and wholesome industries; yet, one of the world’s most fragile and vulnerable. It is a balancing act of law, necessity, and passion with the farmer and rancher resting delicately in the center like a fulcrum just trying to keep every one of those pieces satisfied. Today, being an agriculturalist that is contributing to the food industry is one of the toughest jobs a man or woman can possess. Law and regulation keep all the practices to a minimum and make it nearly impossible to make a profit; a growing population must be fed, but farmers and ranchers are choked down to less land and fewer animals; no matter what though, the farmer and rancher will continue to stay doing the Lord’s work because it is their passion.

Recent studies have shown that the average age of the farmers and ranchers, that provide so much for the world, keeps rising. Today that number is fifty-seven years old and that is up from fifty-five which was calculated four years ago. The census also included that these individuals have roughly twenty-one years of experience doing this job. If that is not heart and dedication, there is no hard telling what is. The sad part is that the general population of the world would be so bold to say that people of the farm and ranch industry are an uneducated population. This is far from the truth as some of the nation’s most intelligent people are those of the agriculture industry. Education has become a more stabilized part of the agriculture industry thanks to organizations and programs that are working to inject young leaders and individuals with degrees from superior colleges into the workforce.

First off, FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, until it was changed in 1988 to include a broader aspect of individuals seeking to expand knowledge in the field, started in 1928. The foundation was created to honor the farmer as well as encourage more involvement and career success in agriculture. Since 1928, FFA has blossomed to become a massive organization of over 630,000 members spanning from the state of Alaska to the Virgin Islands, and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. This is all symbolized by the infamous national blue corduroy jacket with corn gold stitching. Today high school students are not only caring for their livestock, but creating businesses and putting their public speaking, evaluation, and knowledge to the test with Leadership Development events. Members advance through the ranks and some find themselves honored to be an American degree recipient. There is nothing that holds a candle to wearing a blue corduroy jacket with nearly 100,000 other members to all come together and be the voice of agriculture, to be the future of agriculture!

4-H is another highly esteemed organization that is inclusive of members ranging from the age of eight to eighteen and teaches the basic principles behind animal husbandry. Beyond this, it focuses on teaching basic life skills and other areas of recreation such as cooking, baking, learning how to property handle guns, along with many other projects. Throughout my time in 4-H I have done many projects such as showing pigs and cattle, shooting archery, public speaking, and livestock evaluation. With forums and camps, much like that similar to the FFA, the members create a large network of friends and leaders that help them even in adulthood. Some see it as a nice summer project, but when it is taken to the next level, there is so much potential.

Of these two organizations, one thing remains the same: the leadership is in the youth’s hands. All the meetings and decisions are all put on the members which ultimately teaches them the basics of life skills of running meetings and making tough calls. Career readiness is a primary goal for each. Many members will graduate and attend colleges to master their skills practiced in the organizations and eventually make it their life’s work. 4-H and FFA fuel the agriculture industry. Starting businesses with these organizations have helped to create a younger and an even more educated platform for the future of agriculture.

It is safe to say that “ag” students and agriculturalists alike are forever indebted to these one-of-a-kind organizations that go above and beyond to prepare students for the real world. Personally, being an alumni of both of these programs, I do have to say that the experiences I was given with both, are next to none. I have gained lifelong friends and connections. Many trips across the country whether it be in a van, truck and trailer, or by air, I created memories that not many could even begin to fathom. My understanding of livestock and ability to educate others has stemmed from 4-H and FFA. I learned to be professional and competitive, humble and proud. My will to be a strong, independent, outspoken, female agriculturalist, well I can thank my high school ag teacher and my super cool 4-H leader for that!