“I was an FFA member a long time ago. Back in the day things seemed a little more orderly, we were more agriculture based. I was a farmer and my Dad was a farmer. Most of the kids then came from a farming background. I didn’t have any livestock, but I farmed acreage when I was a kid. I went on from that to get my American Farmer’s Degree back in the ‘70s. I am not farming any longer, I am doing electrical work. I am a hydro-electric operator for a power plant. Farming was tough and when I was young I was gone from dark in the morning to…

“I am a Washington State FFA member. I have been a member for about 6 months. I am a welder but I want to become a truck driver when I grow up. FFA is a really good program; it is helping me find the true meaning of Agriculture. I hope it will help you find it too. I am a proud Future Farmer of America.” Behind the scenes with agri.CULTURE … @patreon.com/agriculturepeople

“I am a junior and have been in FFA for three years. I like to show horses. I joined FFA because I really like the program. They really offered a lot of choices for job opportunities in Eastern Washington. Our area is such an agriculture area that the job opportunities are open here. FFA will be on my resume and there are a lot of scholarships to apply for. So for this year, I am still showing horses after taking a year break. I also work for the Adams County Animal shelter and I am the student represented for the whole school district.” Behind the scenes with agri.CULTURE … @patreon.com/agriculturepeople

“I am a junior and I have been participating in FFA events for 2 years like horses and livestock judging as well as fit show for rabbits. I decided to join FFA in order to learn more about agriculture because I live in an agricultural area. In FFA you don’t have to have an animal or be a farm kid in order to join. We have the ability to be a part of a team that is passionate about an aspect of life that surrounds us every day. FFA is an organizatioin I would recommend students to get involved in because there are many opportunities to develop some important abilities…

“I’ve been in FFA for the last two years and I show sheep at the NCW Fair and the Grant Co. Fair. In the last year I have been organizing root stock for my 7 acre nursery. I develop the roots into young trees and I sell the trees to orchards. I also enjoy helping people with any welding needs or ranch needs. I like being involved with local businesses; I like the connection to my community. After high school, I hope to inherit my parent’s orchard and run it along with my brother.” Behind the scenes with agri.CULTURE … @patreon.com/agriculturepeople

“I was in 4-H for a long time showing lambs. My sister and brother were in 4-H so it was automatic that I would join too. When I got to high school I joined FFA. My sister was in FFA so I am wearing her old jacket. I have always showed lambs and I participate in the vet science CDE and STEP speaking. I got to go to state on both of those, so that was cool. I was thinking of showing steers or pigs, but I am going to stick with lambs, because that is what I know. I think all kids could join FFA, it’s an awesome experience.…

“I really enjoy my activities in FFA. My project is a bull buying activity for advanced animal science. It’s for advanced Ag biology class in high school. We are given $12,000 to buy bulls at the auction. We give a description of the animals, their physical characteristics and EPDs that are associated with them. We pick the top ones for the different scenarios that we are given. At the end of the sale we will hear how much they are sold for and hope we made it under the budget. My goal is to pursue a degree in agriculture education at WSU next fall, I also compete in other science…

“I joined FFA because my family all work in agriculture, my Dad is a farmer. I think FFA has a lot to offer to teach me about Ag and develop skills that will help me when I eventually farm. I would like to take over my family farm someday. FFA can help me prepare for the future. I enjoy working on equipment, tractors and other machinery that we have on the farm. I’m a pretty good mechanic. The other thing that I like to do is watch a plant grow, to understand how it all works. From a tiny seed in a bag to grain in a combine, that’s rewarding…

“I have been in FFA for two years. I have been showing pigs for three years and last year I got Grand Champion at the Grant County Fair and Reserve Champion at the Adams County Fair. This year we are breeding our own pigs. I’m not sure how many piglets we had between the two litters, they just farrowed last night. Back in my freshman year, I placed in districts in Creed Speaking and got to go to state. FFA has definitely taught me how to be a speaker and leader. I hope to get a job and use those skills. My plan is to go to WSU and study…

“FFA is so much more than stock shows and contests. Agriculture Education was my first real exposure to the agricultural industry. I was able to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, which is not the case for other education models. This year I have been able to serve the Washington FFA Association as a state officer. This opportunity has allowed me to travel the country learning and teaching others about agriculture, leadership and career readiness. While I could probably write a novel of all the lessons I have learned over the past several years in the blue jacket, the biggest thing that…