12-23 FB FFA Growing

 The future of FFA…Future Farmers of America. I’m David Sparks and I’ll be right back with a prediction. As you all know, I’ve done a lot of stories in which I’ve whined and lamented over the observation that our farmers are turning grey haired and there don’t seem to be young people trying to pick up the torch, if you will, and carry on a tradition that ultimately puts food on our tables.

 Well, FFA is a dynamic youth organization that is a part of agricultural education programs at middle and high schools. Today, student members are engaged in a wide range of curriculum and FFA activities, leading to over 300 career opportunities in agriculture. I had a chance recently to talk with Ben Meyers who is the state FFA advisor and he filled me with optimism regarding young people and they’re interest in agriculture. “National FFA had its highest membership year since the mid 70’s, over ½ million, 520,000 students nationwide are a part of FFA. There’s more optimism and interest in ag than we’ve seen in quite a while.”