By Shelby Shank
Field Editor
Across the state and country, FFA members are celebrating National FFA Week Feb. 18-25, and Texas FFA state officers explain the impact of the youth organization.
“National FFA Week is a time for not only Texas FFA, but all FFA associations across the country, to come together and celebrate,” Ty Williams, Texas FFA state vice president for Area VIII, said. “It’s a time to share what FFA has to offer and how impactful it has been to not only FFA members, but to agriculture teachers and our chapters, as well.”
Texas FFA membership has grown continuously and remains the largest FFA organization in the nation. It’s important for those Texas FFA members to share their stories, Texas FFA Area VII State Vice President Thomas Egbert said.
“It adds knowledge of our organization and agriculture to those who already have it but also expands knowledge to those who don’t know about FFA or agriculture. A lot of this is done by advocacy,” he said.
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Texas FFA Association celebrated My Texas FFA Day and encouraged current members and alumni to flood social media using #MyTexasFFADay to share positive ways the organization has impacted their lives.
Along with different themed days throughout the week, FFA students and teachers will have the opportunity to visit the State Capitol.
“I think it is an incredible opportunity for students to see what is happening in our government and our legislation,” Williams said. “With it being a session year, it’s also a really cool opportunity for students to see what’s going on in our state’s Capitol.”
The fun doesn’t stop there, though. The Texas FFA Association partnered with Texas Farm Bureau to provide K-5 students with engaging resources to increase agricultural literacy, as well a coloring contest for youth to participate in.
“My favorite aspect about this week is the coloring contest,” Egbert said. “The coloring contest is for grades K through five, and it’s a coloring page that has been sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau. As minuscule as that may seem, it’s a great way to advocate for agriculture and get our word out there.”
Williams noted FFA offers students opportunities to learn about agriculture, future careers and leadership.
He ran for state office two years in a row. The strongest message he can give FFA members is to keep going and keep trying.
“The best advice I can give an FFA member right now is to just keep going,” Williams said. “There are so many things out there that students can achieve, and you never know what tomorrow will bring. If something doesn’t go right the first time, you have to get back up and try again.”
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