History was a huge part of the 11th GoFFA trip, and one stop included the Liberty Bell.
What is a way to learn about agriculture in other states? In 2012, the Munford FFA Chapter organized a GoFFA program designed to “Put the Culture in Agriculture.”
This program was created to help students, alumni and advisors from multiple chapters learn about agriculture in states other than their own. It’s also intended to help grow members’ and advisors’ projects and create new ideas through agritourism. People who go on this trip want to improve their knowledge of agriculture.
Munford FFA strives to make sure this trip is a successful opportunity for everyone who attends, and each trip always includes an adventure. This past summer was the chapter’s 11th organized trip and included stops in several New England states along the east coast.
Traveling to the Northeast
After all the hard work Munford FFA put into this trip, it was time to hit the road and make the journey to the New England states in late June. This trip was nine days long, so the chapter pinpointed the top operations and tour spots to help attendees learn more about agriculture.
This trip showcased how to run operations smoothly and efficiently. It allowed many students and advisors to learn about the agriculture industry’s key elements and historical factors.
“GoFFA showed me how important agriculture is,” says Crockett County FFA member Jack Fancey. “It allowed me to see how people utilize agriculture in their everyday lives.”
History was a huge part of the 11th GoFFA trip, and one stop included Monticello in Virginia.
People who travel on this trip experience agriculture on many different levels. History is a huge part to learn about on this trip, so they made stops at Monticello in Virginia, Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Amish Farmland Tour in Pennsylvania. These historical spots helped everyone visually see the history all these places have within agriculture.
Learning about other operations can help you grow and develop new tips and tricks. For example, GoFFA traveled to Haines Berry Farm in New Jersey, Wrights Dairy Farm in Rhode Island, Lucky Catch Cruises in Maine, Green Mountain Sugar House in Vermont and Hershey’s Chocolate World in Pennsylvania. These places had amazing operations and key points of how they run their businesses.
They also made a pit stop at Dover Motor Speedway in Delaware, known as the “Monster Mile,” and the University of Connecticut Dairy Bar to experience these places as they drove through these states.
One of the most beautiful pieces of scenery was the Niagara Falls. This was one of the most family-friendly spots with a beautiful environment.
On the 11th GoFFA trip, one stop included Niagara Falls.
Going Back Home
As they traveled back home, FFA members and advisors reflected on the experience and impact it had. Most people took a lot away from this trip, so they can inspire others to participate in it as well. These participants have a goal to keep learning about the different parts of agriculture we have.
“From a teacher’s perspective, I feel that it helps tremendously when I explain the sectors in the classroom,” says Cocke County FFA Advisor Chelsay Burns. “The other takeaway from GoFFA [was] being able to experience those opportunities with everyone.”
