As a farmer’s daughter, I learned firsthand you can’t harvest something you don’t plant. In addition to watching this concept unfold on my family’s cattle and row crop farm in rural Missouri, I’ve experienced it during my time as an FFA member and alumna. After all, you can’t reap rewards in our organization without first sowing seeds.
By the time this issue reaches your mailbox, it’s likely you’re preparing to start a new school year and possibly travel to Indianapolis for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. Perhaps you’re also refining an application, writing a fall speech or making plans for what comes after high school. Regardless of what’s on your plate, now is the perfect time to sow seeds that can set you and your chapter up for future success.
Fortunately, this issue is designed to help direct and inspire these efforts. For example, “Conversations Spark Community Change” on page 15 details how Grand Rapids FFA members Emma Braford, Kaiya Grossman, Isaac Palecek and Savannah Moinichen worked with Minnesota state legislators to sow seeds of support and make a positive, lasting difference. In “Your How-To Guide for High-Caliber Chapter Programming,” starting on page 16, Stillwater FFA and Carroll County Middle FFA share how planning and executing a strong Program of Activities helped them reap the rewards of becoming 2023 National Chapter Award Program winners. Additionally, Reedley FFA Alumnus Hugo Rodriguez shares how his involvement sparked an interest that later helped him cultivate a career path in “A Start in Animal Science” on page 37.
In all areas of life, including those related to agriculture and FFA, I believe we can’t enjoy our accomplishments and impressive feats without first putting in the necessary time and effort. This fall, three generations of my family will climb into tractors, combines and grain trucks, then head to the corn and soybean fields. There, we’ll (hopefully) be rewarded with a bountiful harvest resulting from months of persistent care, unwavering faith and abundant resilience.
Although uncontrollable circumstances may come our way, we can choose to plant purpose, nurture growth and harvest hope. Preparing for your future can start today, so what are you waiting for?
Lauren Quinlan
Editor, FFA New Horizons
ffanewhorizons@agriculture.com
