Osborne County Schools USD 392

Addison Poore

Media Marketing/Data Analytics

March 4th, 2024

Did you know FFA week started out as just a day? According to Footnote, the idea for a “Special Future Farmer’s Day” came about during the 6th national FFA convention in 1933 by a delegate from Montana. Little did this delegate know, his proposal for a one day celebration would turn into a week long palooza, designated for the FFA members to show off all of their hard work and promote agriculture across the United States.

Future Farmers of America (FFA) was established in 1928 by a young group of farmers in Virginia. Gradually, this small group would form into a larger organization that now reaches across the country. Every year, they would hold a convention in Kansas City, Missouri. However, at the 6th National convention, Stewart of Montana, suggested that they dedicate a day to celebrating all things FFA. After further discussion, the group decided it would be more convenient if the day were to revolve around one of the national radio broadcasting agriculture shows. FFA week was officially born and set forth to promote the benefits of the vast leadership opportunities available to our youth in agriculture.

In July of 1947, the FFA Board of Trustees made the decision to change the day-long celebration to a whole week. It was also decided that the week would revolve around George Washington’s birthday as he serves as a prominent emblem of the FFA. Washington was known for keeping his accounts both carefully and accurately. To honor his legacy they chose to represent him as the treasurer. They wanted to honor Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. From this point on, FFA week has continued to blossom. Amy Conrad, an Osborne community member, has been active in the FFA in Marysville, KS since her high school days. “I enjoy FFA week as it is an opportunity to see the activities our area FFA members and Chapters are involved in. It always brings back great memories of the service projects, CDE, and LDE events we attended over 25 years ago. It is great to see some of the old traditions carried on, and it is inspiring to see new Chapters being established and Ag programs being restarted.”

Regarding our chapter, Amy couldn’t be more correct. Throughout FFA week, our chapter plans spirit themes and community events to get our high school excited about FFA and to consider joining our program. We also work to help others gain awareness of Agriculture. In years past, we have hosted “Kiss an Animal” fundraisers, hosted appreciation breakfasts for teachers, and planned dress-up days. New to our staff and chapter, advisor Kevin Veatch, said that he is “looking forward to all the fun activities that we have planned throughout the week.” Veatch goes on to say that he is also excited to promote FFA to our community and the people in our school who don't know about it.

Each year the state picks themes for the beloved week. 

• This year, starting at the beginning of the week is SAE Sunday; FFA members are given the opportunity to show off their Supervised Agricultural Experience!

• “Monday is Service and Advocacy Day”, named after the last line of the FFA 

  motto - “Living to Serve”. On this day, chapters get to share ways they have given back to their community. 

• FFA has developed tons of mentors and leaders, which is why Tuesday is dedicated to our Alumni. 

• Without an Ag Teacher, let’s face it, where on Earth would we be? To show our appreciation, Wednesday is devoted to all Ag Teachers. 

• “Give FFA Day” is for donating back to the FFA cause. 

• “National Wear Blue Day” is the final day. On this day members are encouraged to support FFA by wearing blue.

On a larger scale, National FFA Advisor Dr. Travis Park says it best. “National FFA Week is a meaningful week for members across our country as we celebrate the organization, share the message of positive youth development through FFA, and promote agriculture,” said Park. “During this week, FFA chapters across the country celebrate agriculture while thanking their supporters — their local alumni chapters, agriculture teachers, or local businesses. Today, FFA and agricultural education continue to play a key role in developing the next generation of leaders and those who will fill the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline across our food systems.” (National FFA Organization). 

FFA week, regardless of the level represented, continues to inspire students across the nation. Our state FFA officer Christian Pena said that, “FFA week to me, is seeing what FFA means to others across the state, connecting with members and chapters, and always being willing to learn.”. To me, no matter what your role in the organization, your background, or what school you are from; FFA week is about showing your accomplishments in agriculture for which you feel most proud. 

Sources:

(National FFA Organization) https://www.ffa.org/press-releases/students-to-celebrate-ffa-week/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-ffa-week/

https://www.ffa.org/the-feed/celebrating-all-ffa/