Milk Maid
The Minneota FFA Chapter is one of the hundreds of chapters is celebrating National FFA Week Feb. 16-23, 2019. National FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington’s birthday.
The National FFA Board of Directors designated the week-long tradition, which began in 1948, in recognition of Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer. A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting, it involves science, business and more.
The organization’s mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. National FFA Week embraces more than 90 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future.
More than 653,000 national members with a passion for agriculture will participate in activities at local, state and national levels.
During the week, chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others in their schools and communities learn about FFA and agricultural education. The Minneota FFA will celebrate National FFA Week by participating in many different activities.
Elementary classes will have FFA students coming to their class to teach them about different areas of agriculture during the week. Some of the topics will be dairy farming where the FFA members will be reading stories and doing fun educational activities.
On Sunday, February 24 from 8 a.m. to Noon is the FFA’s annual waffle feed breakfast.
The food is always so delicious and the FFA members are always eager to greet and assist you. The breakfast is free will donation and will be held in the Minneota High School Cafeteria. There will also be raffle items available.
Funds raised from the breakfast go directly toward the Minneota FFA to help fund their many activities and trips. This is the FFA chapter’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
They use the money raised to help fund trips to the state and national conventions, judging contests, leadership conferences and so much more.
I have friends that are agriculture instructors and some of them are having activities like petting zoos, hosting “Ask a Farmer” panel and even “Drive a Tractor to School Day”, weather permitting.
Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and hands-on learning, they are preparing for 255 unique career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industries. Minnesota boasts one of the bigger FFA memberships and there are nearly 30 FFA members in the busy Minneota Chapter which involves students in grades 7-12.
Some of the events the Minneota FFA participates in are different contests like Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Dairy Foods Evaluation, General Livestock Evaluation, Speaking contests,Wildlife and Fisheries management, Small Animal and many other Career Development Events.
The FFA students also attend the National and Minnesota conventions where they participate in leadership activities, hear inspiring keynote speakers, compete in Career Development Events and much more!
Minneota’s FFA members have been working hard to have a great celebration this week. We are very lucky to have such bright, passionate members that represent our community and school well.
I hope you are able to attend the waffle feed on Sunday, that the weather cooperates and support our local FFA chapter and the future of agriculture!