Planting a passion: Local FFA program helps youth grow a love for agriculture, science

From hosting a petting zoo during Colony Days, planting vegetables and flowers at the Palmer Post Office, selling plants out of their greenhouse and raising a slew of livestock at Palmer High School, members of the local Future Farmers of America branch have been active in the community.

“I think of what I’ve learned from FFA and how it's not only animals, it's not only livestock, it's not only farming, but it's a whole thing,” said Jaidyn Buckley. “So there's vet science, there's public speaking, and there’s getting in touch with a whole bunch of people around the state and I've talked to a whole bunch of other FFA members.”

Jaidyn Buckley, a soon-to-be senior at Palmer, has been an FFA member for the last three years. Buckley is currently the reporter for the program and has been involved in a number of projects over the years.

Projects have included visiting local elementary schools to share with younger students about where food comes from, several fundraising events for the community to attend, both state and national FFA conventions, and numerous meetings throughout the year.

At Palmer High School, students become members of FFA upon enrolling in any of the agricultural or welding classes, some including animal science, veterinary science, plant science, and more.

Besides the main high school building, the agricultural classroom sits independently with an attached greenhouse and livestock pastures for students to use.

FFA member's agricultural involvement is not restricted to livestock but includes leadership skills, gardening, cooking, art projects, and crafting.

Since 2018, Corrine Henderson has been teaching agricultural classes at Palmer and has been actively working to grow the FFA Program.

Henderson shared how she has observed increased involvement in the program over the past year. Last year, 20 FFA members attended the National Convention and this year, more than 40 members attended. Additionally, six students ran for chapter office last year; this year, 13 students ran.

An incoming sophomore, David Spinelli, has been an FFA member for the past year. Spinelli initially joined hoping to become involved in an after-school activity and looking for an opportunity to meet new people.

“I get to meet a lot of new people and it's helped me find some more things that I could do with my life, like raising pigs,” said Spinelli. “I never thought that'd be something I'd be into, but I like it a lot.”

A total of 13 animals currently abide within the high school’s pasture, three of which belong to Spinelli. This coming fall, Spinelli plans to auction off one of his pigs at the FFA auction, and another at the 4-H auction.

Isabella Pratt, also an incoming sophomore at Palmer, joined FFA following the footsteps of her father who was also a member when he was in high school.

Hoping to find a community at school, Pratt shared her success in making new friends who are also members of FFA.

Like Spinelli, Pratt will sell one of her lambs at the live auction in early August.

Pratt was one of the FFA members who took part in planting vegetables and budding flowers at the Post Office in early June. Pratt shared how participating in such events and sharing about agriculture are important in bringing the community together.

“It gets you involved and you get to know your community,” said Pratt. “You're going to be learning more and more about agriculture and ways that it can contribute to your future.”

This past year, Tylynn Sturdivant, an incoming eighth grader at Palmer Junior Middle School, approached principal, Ryan Gaegel, to inquire about starting a middle school FFA Chapter.

With success in doing so, teachers Erin Pilgreen and Mayme Troutman will instruct hands-on agricultural lessons to students, emphasizing public speaking skills and coordinating volunteer opportunities, educational goals of FFA’s mission. Both seventh and eighth-grade students will have the option to join FFA this coming school year.

Sturdivant shared her excitement for this new opportunity she worked to make possible.

Additionally, Sturdivant appreciates how some have coined the term “Future For All,” composing the FFA abbreviation. Sturdivant believes it to be a suitable representation of how FFA members can integrate agriculture into their lives in numerous ways.

“I think it's really good because they can help promote more, and you can do things and can encourage other people to do it,” said Sturdivant. “It just gives you a goal so that you can have something to work towards.”

Moving forward, Henderson shared that she has greatly enjoyed being part of the program and her excitement for growing FFA not only at Palmer High School but in the greater community.

“Everyone can find something that they're interested in and it’s an accepting environment that allows you to grow,” said Henderson. “So I think it's just a great opportunity for students to grow and that is why it's important.”

Since beginning in 1928, The National FFA Organization, originally standing for “Future Farmers of America,” has offered middle school and high school students numerous opportunities to develop leadership skills, cultivate personal growth, and encourage career success through agricultural education.

FFA’s motto states “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve,” and today, over 9,000 chapters exist throughout the 50 states.

On Aug. 3, FFA will host their very first auction at the high school. Members will auction off a wide array of projects including livestock, crafts, and food items. Admission for all is free and individuals can support the program in a number of ways, for example by bringing items for the silent auction or by taking part in the bidding.