Until he joined FFA, it didn’t occur to Jake Zajkowski that his future might include the opportunity to help feed the world.
Unbeknownst to him, he was already actively engaged in agriculture through his existing lawn care and landscaping business. As a member of the Anthony Wayne-Penta FFA Chapter in the 10th grade, he became active in the agriscience fair and interested in biotechnology and plant science.
Zajkowski was the 2021-22 Ohio FFA president and is planning for a career in agriculture. When he attends Cornell University in the fall, he hopes to continue his research on controlled environment agriculture, an area in which he first worked with a high-tech tomato greenhouse operation.
“I see a strong potential in technology being the reason food production is sustainable and effectively grown for our population,” he says.
Earlier this year, the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO) further ignited his enthusiasm. Traditionally, ILSSO takes student FFA leaders to places such as South Africa and Spain for educational experiences. During the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, state officers traveled to California in 2022 to be immersed in the agriculture and cultural aspects of the state.
“I never knew so many practical lessons about agriculture could be learned in one state and, more specifically, in one leadership seminar,” Zajkowski said of the event.
He continued, “I tremendously value farm tours and learning about new industry sectors, but ILSSO took it to the next level. I was able to engage in policy discussion with California legislators, discuss the labor crisis with vegetable farmers and see the carbon sequestration innovation firsthand. I’m grateful for an experience like ILSSO that prepared me to be a better advocate for American agriculture.”
Zajkowski recognizes the importance of experiential learning and said these opportunities give FFA members “an industry advantage as they prepare for their careers.”
He also understands the value of funding for these programs, which donors provide. “That support motivates and provides potential success for our members to take advantage of. Donors’ decisions to invest in international agricultural education bring worthwhile diversity to our industry,” he explained.
“Agricultural education means preparing our present and future food workforce for success,” Zajkowski added. His message to other young people is clear: “If you value being supported while learning practical hands-on skills, then FFA is for you.”
