About Agricultural Education and FFA

Dear Parents and Students,

 

Students at West Greene High School have an exciting opportunity to enroll in the Agricultural Education program next year! Please consider this letter an explanation of FFA and the agricultural classes that students may take in 2021-2022.

 

After enrollment in an agricultural course, students are given the chance to join the National FFA Organization, which is the largest student organization in the United States. There are over 700,000 members that reach from the state of Alaska to Puerto Rico, Maine to Hawaii! Tennessee alone has 225 FFA Chapters and boasts over 13,000 student members.

 

Our hope is that your family will encourage agriculture participation in Agriculture/FFA next year. The classes offer diverse opportunities regardless of background or future plans. There is such a wide variety of topics to learn about, events to compete in, and skills to learn! Each student will gain recognition and awards for their participation. Students should consider choosing an agricultural class as an opportunity to learn about new concepts, become a well-rounded individual and to develop leadership skills.

 

The West Greene FFA has a support group called the West Greene FFA Alumni, in which they help support the chapter of West Greene finically whether with projects at school, sending students on trips, , fairs, construction on new facilities, or just helping out when the chapter needs help.  The great thing about the alumni is that you do not have to be a former FFA member to join.  To qualify for membership in this great organization; you only have to support Agricultural Education.  We ask all student member parents to come join us for good fellowship, fun and to help improve Agriculture Education at West Greene High School, Greene County and the state of Tennessee.  The Alumni chapter is part of the TN State FFA Alumni and the National FFA Alumni, which gives millions of dollars back to the local, state, and National Chapters and/or members.

 

Enclosed is a copy of Commonly Asked Questions. I hope your family will consider the positive impact that agricultural education will have on students. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments regarding agriculture classes or FFA.

 

Sincerely,

Adam Short                                         Robert Meadows       

Agricultural Educator                          Agricultural Educator                                     

FFA Advisor                                         FFA Advisor    

 

The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing

their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Commonly Asked Questions

 

Our family does not farm. Why should my son or daughter take agriculture class and be in FFA?

                It is about much more than farming or ranching! Although learning about production agriculture is one aspect, an Agricultural Education program offers a wide variety of activities and topics to explore. Some general areas of study may include the following: agricultural business, environmental natural resources, agriculture communications, veterinary science, plant science, floriculture, horticulture, nursery and landscaping, recreation, tourism, welding, woodworking, agriculture mechanics, genetics, entomology, careers, leadership, food science, education and agriculture law.

In 1988, the FFA officially changed its name to The National FFA Organization. It was formally known as, and often is mistakenly referred to as, the Future Farmers of America. This update was made to recognize all aspects of the diverse and growing agricultural industry. Students will have the opportunity to explore many pathways in agriculture.

 

My child is not interested in an agricultural career. How could agriculture class and FFA help him/her in the future?

            Students will learn life skills that will be applicable in any future endeavor. Practice keeping financial records. Develop effective verbal, written and body-language agriculture communication skills. Apply problem-solving skills to real-world scenarios. Learn personal etiquette and business procedures. Use technology sources to gain 21^st century abilities. Recognize civic responsibilities. Maximize human-relation and interpersonal skills. Improve employability and job interview techniques. Gain confidence and self-esteem through local, state and national recognition.

Agriculture class curriculum directly integrates science, math, and readings skills which will reinforce core academic concepts! The hands-on and real-world application of abstract concepts may be just the trick needed for a student to excel. Challenging content offers exciting opportunities for students to be competitive beyond FFA events. The reinforcement of concepts that is gained through agriculture classes has proven to help students succeed in college and careers.

In fact, statistics tell us that 1 in 3 careers is related to agriculture, as reported by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Whether it is directly or indirectly, many individuals will hold a job position that is tied to the agricultural industry.

 

How much homework is involved with agriculture classes?

                Because agricultural classes are largely based around hands-on curriculum, most work is completed during class time. There will be assignments, projects, and tests to gauge the understanding of concepts. Occasionally students may find it beneficial to spend additional time outside of class preparing for assessments or upcoming contests and events.

 

I think learning about agriculture sounds neat. What cool things will we do in agriculture class and FFA?

            There is never a dull moment in agriculture class! Everyone will enjoy the wide variety of topics, trips, contests, and conventions! Depending on student interest, the following activities are likely options: Learn to weld, construct projects out of wood, electrical, plumbing, small animals, including rabbits, chickens, hedgehogs, and hopefully goats and calves.  In addition, you will learn how to do scientific research like distracting DNA from strawberries; take the boater Ed coarse, Hunters Ed course, environmental Science. Wear awesome FFA t-shirts. Make flower arrangements. Landscape outside. Grow plants. Collect insects. Job shadow. Attend fun events.  Learn farm safety. Judge livestock. Be in the local newspapers and many other things.

 

When we travel to contests, events and conventions, will I know other students in FFA?

                Probably! If you do not already have friends from neighboring schools, FFA is a wonderful opportunity to network with other high-achieving students. West Greene FFA will be in the Greene District and will participate with schools such as North Greene, South Greene, and Chucky Doak. When we attend state events there will be students from all across Tennessee. The National FFA Convention is a great time to meet peers from all across the country!

Okay, maybe Agriculture and FFA sound pretty interesting! Where could I get more information?

            Contact Adam Short or Robert Meadows! Shoot us an email, give us a call, or arrange a meeting any time. We can be reached at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 423-422-7931. In addition, check out the West Greene FFA Website at westgreene.ffanow.org

Tennessee FFA website at www.tnffa.org  or the National FFA Website at www.ffa.org. Both sites provide lots of quality information regarding Agricultural Education. We also have our own Website at westgreene.ffanow.org.  Also, check us out at:

Facebook: at West Greene Ffa,

Twitter: Westgreeneffa,

Instagram: westgreeneffa

 

 

 

 

Agricultural Schools in Tennessee