Shelby- The FFA is a home to many members from every walk of life. We each have a special part to play in this organization. Our involvement may happen on the stage, in the classroom, or on the farm but each person gains confidence and skills from their experience. This organization would not be where it is today without the unity of men and women in 1969. From that time on FFA has changed many members lives. Having the opportunity to travel across the state this year I have met many women impacted by the opportunities FFA presents. They all share that their inspiration in FFA starts with the feeling of a home and a sense of family. As the organization grows our hope is to always provide a place of growth for all that seek to engage.
Grace - As I have traveled around the state so far during my year of service, I have encountered a great deal of female students who are deeply invested and involved in our organization. It has been inspiring to see and hear about all the ways that they have contributed to their communities and chapters. They have a unique perspective that has moved our organization forward in tremendous ways since they were given full official membership 50 years ago in 1969. From serving as chapter officers to starting projects in their schools and serving their communities, our organization would not be the same today without these key contributions of female FFA members. The acceptance of female members made our organization stronger as students are now able to collaborate and invest in the future of agriculture no matter their gender or background.
Mickayla- I believe that it is important for women to be involved in agriculture and FFA because they offer a new perspective. A perspective in which no one else can truly portray. One that shows the deepest and purest compassion for an industry and livelihood that knows no inequality. Women have been changing the way we view agriculture and leadership within agriculture ever since they were allowed into FFA. Back in 1928, FFA was founded to promote the next generation of farmers, which at the time, was composed mostly of men. As the years went on, FFA began to change. In 1969, it opened its doors to women to match the equal opportunities that agriculture presented to both men and women. Ever since then women have been leaving their mark within the blue jacket. Showing that no matter who you are, where you live, or what gender you are, you can have an impact not only in the FFA organization, but in the agriculture industry as a whole. Today, women hold the majority of leadership positions within the FFA organization and have the opportunity to share their unique perspective with everyone around them. As more women continue to get involved in FFA, I believe that more of us will realize the significance of equal opportunities and the value of a women perspective in different industries.
Natalie- Agriculture is an industry that I never saw myself being a part of. This semester, I began studying to become an agricultural education teacher. I cannot believe the impact the industry has had on my life. Agriculture is so important to the survival of our world. I believe that it’s important for women to be involved in agriculture for the same reasons I believe men should be involved. Sustaining our population isn’t just a male or female issue. It’s a human issue. We’ve all heard the statistics. By 2050, our world will have a record number of people to feed and clothe. It’s our job as agriculturists to make it happen. We have to join together not just as men and women, but as people. If we work together and share the knowledge that we all have we will have a better chance of sustaining such a large population. It’s important for people of all backgrounds to be part of the industry, so that we can all make a difference by sharing our unique experiences.
Hope- In just 50 years, representation of women in FFA has grown dramatically. Today nearly half of all FFA members are female, and on top of that, just over 50% of leadership positions in FFA are held by women. Of course this is an amazing feat, but it would not have been possible without the unity of both men and women. This anniversary celebrates much more than women in agriculture overcoming a barrier. This also celebrates the unity that was created in 1969. This unity is what accomplished this milestone. This unity is what helps us to accomplish even more. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Without agriculture there is no food, no homes, no life. Just as any good agriculturalist would point out, the world population is expected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. That is 2 billion more mouths to feed in a short 21 years. Now this may seem like a daunting task, but it is one that can be achieved by the unity of both men and women in agriculture. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or any other factor. We are all fighting the same fight, and united as one, we can win.
In Blue and Gold,
The 2019-2020 Female State Officers
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