FFA Not Into Farming Anymore? What's Up With That?

I received this curious dispatch today from 4-H Champ, who’s been enjoying a fall trip with family through the Hoosier state.

While touring, they witnessed a blue-jacket invasion, some 53,000 Future Farmers of America in Indy for their national convention.

But is the FFA even about farming these days? Or are members shunning their ag roots?

TO: VFG

FROM: From Farmgirl in the Field

Indy Invaded by FFA

Everywhere I looked navy, corduroy jackets spilling from downtown Indianapolis attractions. Future Farmers of America (FFA) members were joining together for a conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It seemed every state in the union was represented. This “Farmgirl” regrettably did not keep a tally chart though. Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, California and more showed off their FFA seals on their backs.

While on a mini fall vacation, two of my daughters and I took a trip with my sister and friends to visit Connor Prairie, the Children’s Museum and the Zoo.

Every location those FFAers were represented.

Banners lined the streets to welcome these farmers of the future.

The children with us (ages 11-2 years old) wanted to know who those boys and girls in blue were?

Being investigative in nature, I approached a seemingly friendly group of FFA girls who were eating their dinner in the food court of Circle Center mall. I began, “Tell these children what being in FFA is all about as they are very curious….”

Being both critical and a kindergarten teacher, I was disappointed with their long-winded, lofty response that left the children completely clueless and me confused.

What disturbed me most was the FFAer that said that the FFA was not about farming anymore. It is about business. Great.

I said,”Ag business?” “No,” she said.

Virtual Farmgirl…please get to the bottom of this!

Future FARMERS of America … no longer farming?

Can this be? What is going on?

Very good question 4-H Champ. I’m just as confused.

The FFA’s national website notes that it’s dedicated to developing leadership skills through “agriculture education.”

But if the kids involved are denying that premise, it’s a disappointment. My bet is that most of the activity in FFA is about youth development and that this “through agriculture education” business is often secondary. I hope that’s not the case.