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

Agriculture Course Descriptions

Agri-science ( Can count for a Science Credit) is an introductory laboratory science course that prepares students for biology, subsequent science and agriculture courses, and postsecondary study. This course helps students understand the important role that agricultural science and technology plays in the twenty-first century. In addition, it serves as the first course for all programs of study in the Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources cluster. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for success in more advanced agriculture and science coursework. This course counts as a lab science credit toward graduation requirements which replaces the physical science so the student can take more elective classes.

Welding 1 is an intermediate course introducing students to basic skills and knowledge in construction and land management for both rural and urban environments. This course covers topics including project management, basic engine and motor mechanics, land surveying, irrigation and drainage, agricultural structures, and basic welding techniques. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in agricultural mechanics. Students will receive Industry Certification which is a EPSO.

Welding 2 is an applied course in agricultural engineering with special emphasis on laboratory activities involving small engines, tractors, and agricultural equipment. The standards in this course address navigation, maintenance, repair, and overhaul of electrical motors, hydraulic systems, and fuel-powered engines as well as exploration of a wide range of careers in agricultural mechanics. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to pursue advanced training in agricultural engineering and related fields at a postsecondary institution. Students will receive Industry Certification which is a EPSO.

Welding 3 (can count for a 4 year Math Credit) is an applied course that prepares students for further study or careers in engineering, welding, agricultural design, and agricultural mechanics. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to pursue advanced training in agricultural engineering and related fields at a postsecondary institution.

Wildlife Management 1 is an applied-knowledge course focusing on the science and management of plants and soils, with special attention given to current agricultural practices that support the healthy and sustainable cultivation of major crops. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have been exposed to a range of careers associated with the science and management of plants and soils and will have developed the essential skills and knowledge to be successful in science- or agriculture-related occupations.

Wildlife Management 2 ( Can count for a Science Credit)is an applied course for students interested wildlife management where students will receive their hunter’s education and boater education certificates will learning animal Id, management of land from nongame and game species for the landowner’s personal purpose.

Greenhouse 1 focuses on essential knowledge and skills related to the science of plant growth. This course covers principles of plant health, growth, reproduction of plants, as well as fundamental principles of hydroponics and raising fish. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in horticulture science.

Greenhouse 2 SDC( Can count for a Science Credit) is an applied-knowledge course designed to prepare students to manage greenhouse operations. This course covers principles of greenhouse structures, plant health and growth, growing media, greenhouse crop selection and propagation, and management techniques. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be equipped with the technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in horticulture production. Greenhouse Management is a dual credit course with statewide articulation and gives a student an EPSO.

Landscaping and Turf Science( Can replace as a Fine Arts credit) is an applied course designed to provide challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed for further education and careers in landscape design, maintenance, and turf management. Content includes site analysis and planning, principles of design, and plant selection and care techniques. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared to pursue advanced study of landscaping and turf science at a postsecondary institution. Students can receive Industry Certification which is a EPSO.

Small Animal Management is an intermediate course in animal science and care for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers anatomy and physiological systems Page 2 of different groups of small animals, as well as careers, leadership, and history of the industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in veterinary and animal science.

Livestock Management is an applied course in veterinary and animal science for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers anatomy and physiological systems of different groups of large animals, as well as careers, leadership, and history of the industry. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for success in the level-four Veterinary Science course and further postsecondary training.

Veterinary Science( Can count for a Science Credit) is an advanced course in animal science and care for students interested in learning more about becoming a veterinarian, vet tech, vet assistant, or pursuing a variety of scientific, health, or agriculture professions. This course covers principles of health and disease, basic animal care and nursing, clinical and laboratory procedures, and additional industry-related career and leadership knowledge and skills. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to pursue advanced study of veterinary science at a postsecondary institution.

Principles of Farming 1 is an intermediate course in plant and animal agriculture for students interested in pursuing careers in production agriculture or food science. Students study principles related to plant and animal structural anatomy, systems physiology, economics of production, Page 2 genetics and biotechnology, and other management approaches associated with plant and animal production. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be prepared for more advanced coursework in the Food Science program of study.

Principles of Farming 2 is an applied-knowledge course designed for students interested in careers in food science. The course covers fundamental principles of food science, food safety and sanitation, foodborne pathogens, and food-related standards and regulations. Upon completion of this course, students will be versed in the technical knowledge and skills necessary for further education and careers in food science.

Principles of Farming 3( Can count for a Science Credit) is an applied course designed to prepare students for further education and careers in food science and technology. This course covers advanced principles of food science, characteristics and properties of food products, processing and grading techniques and skills, and food labeling and packaging principles. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to pursue advanced training in food science at a postsecondary institution.