By Gary Joiner
TFB Radio Network Manager
Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) staff in Waco are once again providing feedback for Texas FFA chapters’ Ag Issues Forum presentations. Staff listen and evaluate the chapters as they present information on a current agricultural issue.
Several FFA chapters have traveled to the TFB headquarters office to make their presentation to select TFB staff to aid in their preparation for competition.
Other FFA chapters from across the state are expected in Waco at the end of the month to present to TFB staff.
The FFA Agricultural Issues Forum includes a team of three to seven students who research and analyze a current agricultural issue, create a portfolio and also develop and deliver a presentation that stresses both pros and cons of their selected agricultural issue. At the event competition, members use verbal skills and presentation abilities to defend their findings and answer judges’ questions.
FFA chapters meeting with TFB staff this year include Madisonville FFA, Canton FFA, A&M Consolidated FFA, Corsicana FFA, China Spring FFA, James Madison FFA and McNeil FFA.
“As we travel across the state, we hear TFB referenced many times by FFA members who have visited with TFB staff about current issues facing agriculture,” said Whit Weems, TFB director of Leader Development. “We know these students learn from TFB staff who have researched these topics in depth.”
The purpose of the Agricultural Issues Forum is to stimulate the study of and interest in agricultural issues among agricultural students and the “non-agricultural” public. The contest also encourages local efforts by providing recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of instruction in issues analysis.
The Agricultural Issues Forum presentation can be a maximum of 15 minutes in length. The judges will ask questions of all individuals of the presenting team, including the technician. Each individual is required to respond to at least one question from the judges.