An FFA member from Palmer, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
GRAND ISLAND – FFA is an organization that supports agriculture and agricultural leadership, said Stan Heyen, a member of the Arcadia FFA Alumni and Nebraska FFA Alumni and Supporters.
Participants are in middle school and high school, but people up to age 23 can be involved in FFA. There are more than 200 FFA chapters in Nebraska, he said.
FFA is not just about showing livestock. Heyen said members gain leadership skills.
“It isn’t just cows and corn,” Heyen said.
FFA chapters are typically based in schools. The organization was founded in 1928.
FFA members participate in livestock shows, state and district contests, leadership development events, and career development events.
He provided a sheet with trivia questions and answers about FFA.
The official FFA Jacket was introduced in 1933. Girls were allowed membership in FFA in 1969. In 1988, the organization’s name was changed from Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization. The only president of the United States who was an FFA member is Jimmy Carter.
The FFA motto is: “Learning to Do, Doing to learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve. The main goals of FFA are premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.