FFA Week & Farm Forum
Feb. 26, 2012
Across the nation, FFA members celebrated National FFA Week! Taking part in some of the many events that took place was a blast for me. I started the week in Darlington at a Pancake Breakfast and Toy Show. Abbie and I even got to judge some of the farm toy displays! This was exciting for me because I collect farm toys.
Monday I woke up bright and early to be on the radio with Bob Meyer in Marshfield. After a great interview with him, I headed to Spencer High School for an FFA Week assembly and workshop. The Spencer FFA Officers did a nice job of working with FFA members during the workshop. Cashton was the next stop for the day where Brian and I put on a workshop for leaders in their high school. In the evening, I attended the Mauston School Board meeting to thank our school district for their support of the Agricultural Education program.
Wednesday was a great day to be in Fennimore. I met with Mrs. Mitchell's classes and talked about FFA opportunities and careers in agriculture. Abbie joined me at the end of the day and we helped out at the FFA Week assembly. State Representative Travis Tranel from Cuba City was in attendance and shard the importance of agriculture with the student body. Representative Tranel is a farmer by trade and was excited to be with us that day.
Thursday-Saturday the state officers were in Wisconsin Rapids for the Farm Bureau FFA Farm Forum. This was the 40th year that Farm Bureau has hosted the event for FFA members. I was very impressed with the variety of workshops for students to see the opportunities available to them in agriculture. 176 FFA members were in attendance at the event.
The opening speaker for the conference was Craig Culver, CEO of Culver's restaurant. It was very cool for me to meet Mr. Culver and hear his message. During the conference we also heard from Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Bill Bruins who shared a message of being independent citizens. Mrs. Jillian Beaty, Agricultural Educator at Oregon High School was our closing speaker. Mrs. Beaty shared an inspirational message to students about following their passion, collaborate with like-minded people and never stop developing yourself. I enjoyed the messages that these speakers brought to students!
A huge thank you to all of the FFA members that made this week so much fun and to Wisconsin Farm Bureau for their support of the Farm Forum!
Ethan Giebel - President
Mauston FFA Chapter