FFA members and chapters from around the country observed the 76th anniversary of National FFA Week from Feb. 18 through Feb 25. Throughout the week, the National FFA Organization and its members celebrated and shared FFA‘s story, and the impact agriculture has on its future leaders. Some chapters celebrated with activities in their schools and communities, and members and alumni alike took to social to share their #FFAWeek stories. From fundraisers, to community service projects, official dress, and more, one thing can be sure — FFA members turned heads this week, all in the name of an organization that has meant so much to so many of us.
Here are some highlights from the week:
1. FFA members connected with local and state officials
Wilson Central FFA members were present when their county mayor, Randall Hutto, signed a proclamation recognizing National FFA Week in Wilson County, Tennessee.
2. Local and state officials showed their support for FFA
Missouri’s Gov. Mike Parson and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe drove John Deere tractors to their state’s capitol in honor of drive-your-tractor-to-school days and Missouri FFA members. The state’s ag director, Chris Chinn also proclaimed the state’s recognition of National FFA Week.
3. Chapters raised funds and awareness with school fundraisers
One of the more fun ones we saw was a pie in the face fundraiser during which Lincoln Community High School FFA in Illinois raised $400. Chapters around the country found creative ways to share FFA within their schools with non-agriculture students, and to help raise funds for their local and state organizations.
4. FFA members celebrated #FFAWeek with agcentric activities
Members of Kansas’ South Haven FFA Chapter held an Ag Olympics contest at the school. Moving hay bales, pulling posts, and flipping tires, and more made for an active way to celebrate and agvocate for agriculture.
5. FFA members demonstrated their willingness to serve
Members around the country completed community service projects. Living to serve isn’t just a part of the FFA Creed, it’s a way of life for many members of the National FFA Organization. Ripley WV FFA members in West Virginia went above and beyond creating cards for senior centers, picking up trash around their community, and weeding a local flower bed.
6. FFA chapters and members took the time to celebrate ag advisors
This past week, you didn’t have to look far to see students, alumni, chapters and parents taking the time to celebrate FFA advisors around the country.
7. National FFA Officers traveled the country
During #FFAWeek, National FFA Officers traveled the country, visiting with members from local and state chapters.
8. Students and alumni celebrated FFA with #NationalWearBlueDay
The blue and gold corduroy jacket, an iconic symbol of the National FFA Organization, and part of the organization’s official dress has been around since 1933. Members, advisors, and alumni all got in on the fun.
9. Companies and individuals showed their support during #GiveFFADay
Many agriculture-related companies took time this week to donate and celebrate an organization that has helped them, and many of their patrons, successful in the agricultural industry.
Local organizations and individuals also took the time to donate to local, state, and even the National FFA Organization with donations as well. State FFA foundations around the country took time to recognize the support that they received throughout the week.
10. Memberse drove anything but cars to school
Ag kids are just different. And, National FFA Week gives chapters and students the opportunity to celebrate agriculture by driving tractors (or anything but cars) to school. Across the nation, we saw horses, classic tractors, compacts, grain trucks, and more hit the pavement to celebrate agriculture, FFA members, and spread awareness.
