The National FFA Organization is a youth organization that aims to prepare members for career success through agriculture education. Members gain hands-on experience working with animals, plants, and people. FFA members learn about the importance of agriculture and leadership skills in our community. 

All FFA members have the chance to attend a yearly national convention. There, students can meet other FFA members from all over the country, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Students even have the possibility to meet with celebrities in the agriculture world like Dr. Jan Pol, star of National Geographic’s The Incredible Dr. Pol. This year’s convention is this week, October 25-November 1.

Students in FFA are given opportunities to attend both in and out of school events, including team competitions such as the Veterinary Science Career Development Event (CDE). Junior Kaitlin Wyatt, a member of Oakdale’s Vet Science team, explains  what the team does: “We study different breeds of livestock and dogs and learn about parasites.” 

Wyatt says that being on the team gives her connections to people in the agriculture field and can further a future career with the experience she gains.

Benjamin Cooper, Vice President of Oakdale’s chapter of FFA, comments on their duties as an officer: “As Vice President I am an executive overseer. I also am the head of the three committees that all set up their own forms of projects and events for our FFA chapter.”

 FFA’s three committees are: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.  When asked about the benefits of joining FFA, Cooper states: “It distinguishes me from other students, specifically it shows that I can be a leader.”

Anyone who is enrolled in a Plant and Animal Science course is welcome to join. This includes any students taking pre vet, forestry and wildlife, intro to ag, or horticulture. Yearly membership to FFA costs $7 which includes a  subscription to FFA New Horizons, FFA’s national magazine. Anyone interested in joining should contact the club’s adviser, Sarah Welty.