How To Be An FFA Parent

While we members are learning, practicing, traveling all over, and much more as a part of FFA, we always can count on our number one support: our families. However, as a parent, this whole things where your child is begging you to take trips hours away to talk about agriculture and things can become quite overwhelming and confusing. The state officer team asked their parents to share their experiences and give some advice to the other parents out there, so without further ado...

Cassie 

There are many ways I could describe how we feel about being the parents of an FFA member. The most overwhelming emotion would be astonishment. I never understood or realized the endless possibilities that FFA would present for our daughter and how it would shape her character. I could have never predicted what an impact FFA would have our family! Not only on her, but also my son just starting his first  year in FFA.  Sometimes that impact does include late nights practicing contests, running a pair of black heels into school on contest day, or washing a last minute load of laundry when she forgets to wash her official dress! Cassie’s grandfathers felt so much pride that she was continuing on her family’s roots in agriculture. We couldn’t be more proud of her and the outstanding friends she has surrounded herself with and made them a part of our lives as well. For that, our family is a strong believer in the FFA, and we are truly blessed!

Carli

Being a parent or grandparent of a state FFA officer has its ups and downs. You are in the background to give them moral support when they need it. You are there to help them celebrate the exciting times and support them when they are having some bad moments. You pick them up in spirits when needed.  You become their sounding board wherever they have ideas for different things whether it be writing an article for something, giving directions to a town they are visiting or ideas for things to do during a visit. Sometimes you even have to help them pack or remind them do you have everything you need for this or that.  You reassure them that they are doing what they have been elected to do and let them know you love them regardless , or how proud you are of them.  Just by being there for a hug or to listen in person or on the phone can make a big change in how they handle everything.  They are becoming young adults and it is not always easy.  We have been there ourselves and understand some of the things and emotions they go through.  It is all part of the life cycle we go through and not always easy for us as we want to take away the stress for them but know they will learn from this.

CD

Being a parent of an FFA member is interesting usually you don’t know about deadlines up coming

events or other important things till you have hay down, cattle work or other seemingly important jobs

that need to be done. Then you hear dad, mom, “I have to go across the state place today or we have an

event today.” Or chaperoning a group of FFA kids at contest or the FFA auction. It brings a new meaning

to FFA or father farms alone. But there is not a better organization to teach leadership skills, life lessons,

and career development than FFA that is why we support this organization whenever we can in any way we can.

Peyton

 Having been an FFA member myself, the growth in activities and the opportunities they afford is amazing in comparison to my days in the organization. FFA can truly be a life-changing organization for many kids, including ours. The people met--both professionals and peers--can and will have a long-lasting and extremely positive effect.

     We would advise fellow FFA parents to:

     1. Encourage your kids to be involved in a multitude of activities--particularly those outside of their normal comfort zone. The growth in kids brought on by these activities can be amazing, and literally life-changing.

     2. Follow your kids' lead, but don't be afraid to push them a bit.

     3. Be open-minded and creative, especially regarding things like their SAE. There are so many opportunities for members to explore.

     We are incredibly thankful for this organization and the lasting impact it's had on our girls. It has kept them busy and required a great deal of dedication, but the valuable skills and rewarding experiences they've gained in return are immeasurable.

Zach

 FFA parenting is rewarding and stressful. Having two boys in FFA a year a part also makes it interesting. Zach was extremely involved and Austin was just involved. There were late nights wondering if they would ever get home from contest or judging competitions. State Fair was stressful getting sheep sheared, truck and trailer loaded plus then getting everything ready for us humans. One time both boys met up with another chapter to go to 360/212 training and it snowed the night before. Zach was driving from our house to the other chapter and I heard from Austin how fast and scary it was to ride in the car with Zach driving. It’s all the miles being put on your vehicle so they see and talk to all the great members across the state. It’s hearing how much fun they have at State and National Convention when you are thinking about all the school work they have to make up. The most important part of being an FFA parent is seeing how much they grow and achieve by participating in the many opportunities given to them.

Being a parent of an FFA member can be challenging. When they are traveling the parents don’t always now why their child is going or what is all going on. It’s always been fun talking to my boys and hearing about their experiences and about the other members they meet. It’s always important to be there for them when they are struggling with a class, contest, livestock or any projects they are working on. Being there for support is the most important part and watching them grow as individuals.

Rachel

Some parents want their children to follow a particular sport that they themselves have been involved in during their life. However, others pass on their legacy through a hobby. As a past FFA member, I myself, tried to pass on my love of the FFA organization and all it had to offer to my children. I have raised four daughters and they have all taken different levels of involvement in the FFA program.  One thing I have always appreciated is that no matter their level of involvement or participation within the FFA chapter each one gained valuable life and leadership skills, which will follow them through the adult life in their work and community organizations. I credit FFA for giving me the leadership and public speaking skills I use on a daily basis with the work I do for a local non-profit. And I take great pride in how the FFA has helped my children become young adult leaders as well.

 Annie

Knowing that Clarinda had a strong FFA program, I encouraged Annie to join. At the time she thought I was being silly. But I encouraged her anyway. “With your gift of gab, you would be a great asset to the FFA team”.  I had never met Mr. Andy Johnson, but he had a good reputation as a strong influence in the classroom. He and Annie seemed to bond immediately. Annie has given FFA her all. In return, she has gained independence, responsibility, a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, maturity and stronger leadership qualities. FFA has been an excellent choice. Thank you, Andy Johnson and Scott Johnson (State FFA Adviser) for all of your encouragement to our youth!

Ally

We are the proud parents of three FFA-ers and four future FFA-ers. As parents, we like to think we are usually pretty good about letting our children choose the path they will take and the activities they will participate in. FFA is the one activity that would be mandatory, but there has never been an argument about it.

FFA has given our children confidence. The ability to stand up in front of intimidating audiences and communicate effectively.

FFA has taught our children responsibility. They must meet deadlines for tasks and projects without our guidance or direction.

FFA has taught our children respect. They are able to relate to your everyday farmer or Governors and Senators.

FFA has our taught children values. The value of hard work and persistence. They don’t always win their competitions, but they learn so much in the process.

FFA has taught our children the importance of Family. Not only our family, but the FFA family, too. Our children have FFA friends from all over the country that would be there for them in a heartbeat.

FFA is more than just an activity, the blue and gold becomes an integral part of your family’s life that is rich with benefits.

Caleb

When both my husband and I were growing up, FFA was not a curriculum offered at our school.  Mike probably could have attended FFA at a neighboring school, but his contributions were required on his family farm.  With this being said, we had no idea what to expect when both of our sons became FFA members.  We were blessed with two young lads that wanted to dive in and participate in many of the opportunities offered through their membership, i.e., each being an officer all four years of high school, extemporaneous speaking, creed speaking, ag sales, swine and beef projects, carcass, livestock and soil judging, and community service, just to mention a few of their projects. 

As parents, we were literally their ride to every state fair—you know the drill, clean out the truck and air up the tires on the livestock trailer and pray that everyone and the livestock arrive safely at the state fair for our sons to show the judge all the hard work they had put into their livestock projects.  We aren’t the family to take vacations, but each year you could find us together at the State Fair’s livestock barns with the FFA livestock—so many cherished memories!!

FFA has instilled effective communication and leadership skills in each of our sons.  We have to mention without a doubt the day we stood proud that FFA had played such an influential role in Caleb’s life, was the day he was elected as a State FFA Officer as the Southwest Vice President.  We saved the video of the 89th State Convention and watch it from time to time, and still embrace those feelings.

This past summer and fall have been a whirlwind for our family, as we seldom see Caleb since he’s always gone somewhere to help facilitate a FFA event.  We are proud of his dedication and devotion he has taken toward fulfilling his officer position, and have learned how to cope with his absence by making cookies for him and praying for safety on the roads!

We have met each of the State Officers and are just amazed at these incredible young adults.  How they meet not only the demands place upon them by college, but how they have incorporated such a busy schedule placed upon them by FFA is just amazing!  They have outstanding ethics and values, lead with professionalism, communicate and articulate extremely well, especially in radio interviews, and are an overall class act!  We are happy to think that such a talented group of young adults will continue to lead and motivate others and navigate complexities facing our world, as well as excel in their own careers.

For my husband and I initially not knowing what FFA was all about, we have learned that FFA develops its members into the best they can be.  We are grateful to have had FFA in our sons’ lives.

Parents

2017-18 State Officer Team