FFA members and chapters from around the country observed the 77th anniversary of National FFA Week from Feb. 17 through Feb 24.
Throughout the week, the National FFA Organization and its members celebrated and shared FFA‘s story and the impact agriculture has on its future leaders. Some chapters held activities in their schools and communities, and members and alumni alike took to social media to share their #FFAWeek stories.
From fundraisers to community service projects, official dress, and more, one thing can be sure: FFA members turned heads this past week, all in the name of an organization that has meant so much to so many of us.
1. Tractors on display
While some FFA chapters organized a day to drive their tractors to school, Forest Park FFA in Ferdinand, Indiana, held an FFA tractor show to showcase member’s tractors and celebrate Brendon Gutgsell, one of their FFA members who passed away in July.
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Lawmakers proclaimed National FFA Week as a state holiday in many states, including Missouri. There, Gov. Mike Paron celebrated the day with FFA members by driving a tractor to the state’s capitol in Jefferson City to honor FFA students during National FFA Week.
2. Schools celebrated FFA members
At New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, the ag economics and agribusiness departments took the opportunity to showcase students who have proudly worn their corduroy jackets and share their stories.
3. School ag literacy efforts
Throughout the week, FFA members share their passion for agriculture and their organization in their schools. Some delivered ag-centric treats to central offices and teachers, and others, like Woodland FFA in Streator, Illinois, hosted educational events for younger students in their districts.
Woodland FFA hosted an Ag Expo for elementary-aged students, allowing them to explore what agriculture and FFA offer in their schools.
4. Alumni told their stories
FFA is an organization that touches people in so many different ways, and it’s certainly one that alumni remember fondly for decades to come. Our social media feeds were chock full of alumni sharing their FFA stories throughout the week.
5. National Officer Team visited chapters nationwide
National FFA Officers had a busy week from Colorado to Florida, Missouri, and more; the officers traveled the map to celebrate agriculture, meet with FFA members, and show off their blue and gold pride.
6. Chapters completed community service projects
Service is a part of being an FFA member, so it’s no surprise that many chapters chose to wrap up FFA Week with community projects. In North Carolina, members from Crest FFA, Crest Middle FFA, Crest FFA Alumni and Supporters, Burns High FFA, Kings Mountain FFA Chapter, and Burns Middle FFA helped package up 41,000 meals for those in need across Cleveland County.
7. They wore blue
Who says that blue and black don’t go together? Businesses, alumni, members, and partners celebrated Wear Blue Day by donning corduroy jackets and officials’ dresses to celebrate FFA.
8. Members celebrated ag teachers
FFA would be nothing without it advisors. And, so, during National FFA Week, members past and present took some time to thank their ag teachers and advisors.
9. FFA contest season kicked off
Around the country, you’re sure to see FFA teams headed off to competitions to try their hand at any of the many events FFA offers for youth to compete in.
10. Legislative visits
In Texas, FFA members from around the state wrapped up FFA week with the Texas FFA Day at the Capitol on February 22 and 23. In Austin, FFA members learned more about the legislative progress and the importance of ag literacy and leadership.
»Related: New York leads in record $1.3 million Give FFA Day 2024