Let’s Be Friends
These six ag educators use social media to reach a digital generation. Follow each to learn more.
A Future in Floriculture
FFA members learn more about floriculture at the American Institute of Floral Designers National Symposium.
Students Come Together for Ag Education
Students at disparate schools in northern Virginia join for a hands-on agricultural experience and award-winning FFA chapter.
A Dream Takes Flight Through Falconry
This FFA member turns a unique passion into a career in agriculture.
FFA Sponsor, German Students Send Experiment to Space
FFA members interested in STEM careers will soon have a new tool to power their educational efforts.
6 Ways to Break Out of Your Shell in 2019
Cody Sanders, an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Sugar-Salem High School in Sugar City, Idaho, shares six ways to make this your best year in FFA ever.
A Crop With the Potential to Soar
This Alabama member plants an experimental crop that can be converted to jet fuel. Crystal Chandler was looking for a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project when her FFA advisor at Geraldine High School in Geraldine, Ala., introduced her to carinata (Brassica carinata). The oilseed crop, a nonfood biofuel oil, can be used in jet fuel. The remnants of the carinata seed can be used as a high-protein feed for livestock. The timing was right for Chandler to plant the novel crop. Her parents had just rented 50 acres of farmland with plans to grow row crops. Also, Agrisoma Biosciences Inc., a business focused on sustainable biofuel production, was looking for Alabama farmers to experiment with the oilseed crop. Chandler was eager to take on a major project. “For my first SAE, I grew herbs,” she says. “The second year, I got a little bigger and grew 2 acres of row crops, and I wanted to do something bigger.” In 2017, Chandler planted 50 acres of carinata under contract with Agrisoma. She expected to harvest her first [...]
Persistence Earns Tractor Restoration Champ Jay Leno Appearance
As the 2017 Grand Champion in the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, Corey Verstraeten can certainly attest to the old adage, “If at first you don’t succeed, try again.” After being named as a finalist in three previous competitions, Verstraeten finally won the top prize during his senior year in high school with a restored Oliver 1755. Perhaps even more exciting, though, was the invitation Verstraeten received to appear on the television show, Jay Leno’s Garage, in August. It proves the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up. 1972 Oliver 1755 A 2018 graduate of Southwest High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was an active FFA member, Verstraeten chose a 1972 Oliver 1755 tractor with front-wheel assist as his senior-year restoration project. His tractor was ultimately selected as Grand Champion from among the 12 finalists in the competition sponsored by Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A., Inc. Third Time’s a Charm Prior to winning the championship, Verstraeten was a finalist in 2016 with a 1971 Oliver 1855. He was also [...]
A Connecticut school dives deep
Large tanks bubble as koi do slow, meandering laps. Aquariums gurgle while lobsters peer through the glass. Vats of seaweed prepare to be processed.
Brooksville Sr. FFA Members Address Coastal Erosion
Brooksville Sr. FFA members are using their Yearlong Living to Serve Grant to address coastal erosion due to the removal of invasive plants. Removing invasive plants is important. However, it left coastal areas bare and more susceptible to erosion. The chapter has been working with the University of Florida (UF) to research salinity tolerance in different coastal plants so that they can help restore some of the wetlands. About 500 plants and seeds have been propagated and are being cared for by the FFA members. The chapter is now working with UF to identify planting sites to continue their project. Brookville FFA is just one chapter that is putting their “leadership into action through service”. To get inspired and see what other FFA chapters across the country are doing to create a positive impact in their community, There are many other examples on the interactive Living to Serve Map. How can your chapter serve your community with a $3,000 Living to Serve grant? Work with your chapter to INVESTIGATE a community need, PLAN the yearlong service [...]
