"Why FFA?" by State Vice President Sydni Walker

January Blog

Imagine this: You're at the 2017 Louisiana State FFA Convention and you walk into the session hall. The room is flooded with blue corduroy and hundreds of FFA members ready to experience your very first convention session. There, you meet THE Louisiana State FFA officers and watch them deliver their RAs, chair sessions, and give & receive multiple awards to highlight the hard work and dedication members have exhibited. While at state convention, you see the inauguration of area officers, roam endlessly through the expo, and meet countless members from places you didn't even know existed. Now, let's stop imagining and step back into reality. In 2017 I attended the Louisiana FFA State Convention and it was one of the most life changing experiences I’ve ever had. I attended this convention with dread as I was not excited to spend the week with people from my chapter I barely knew. I walked into the session with a sour attitude and a frown on my face and sat in my chair with my chapter. As this long and dreadful session went on, I recognized someone on the stage. To my delight, I saw State Secretary Caroline Hardy on stage and watched her as she delivered her retiring address. In that moment I realized that I wanted to be up on that stage just as she was. Fast forward to June 4th, 2020 and I was named the 2020-2021 State Vice President representing Area III. The goal I had set for myself as a freshman was finally met and I could check one more thing off my bucket list. But one thing my freshman self didn't realize was that the work needed to be done in order to accomplish this goal was hard and took much dedication. 
 
Let's take a step back to where it all began. My grandfather and father both exhibited livestock and were Ag teachers so for me, exhibiting livestock and being in FFA was a given. However, being involved in these activities wasn't a driving force for me but it was taking the first step, the first plunge to do something out of my comfort zone to be able to carry on my family's tradition. For me, this first step was competing in Creed. During my freshman year, my Ag teacher asked me to compete in the Creed Speaking contest and seeing how I knew my dad would be disappointed if I ignored this opportunity, I reluctantly agreed. I soon became obsessed with saying the creed and practiced its five paragraphs every day for hours at a time. Finally, the time to compete in my first FFA contest was here. I walked into the room with my head held high and I was so confident my hard work was going to pay off. However, as they read the results, I realized I had not placed within the top four. This was very disheartening to me because I worked so hard just to be let down. But this one downfall did not define my future in the FFA. Since that day, I dedicated my time and energy into being the best I could be, and in time my hard work paid off. I went on to place in the top three in State Livestock Judging, received my first blue banner when I placed 4th at the Area Speaking contest, named Area III Vice President, and finally State Vice President. Even though my first step did not resolve in a successful manner, I refused to give up. My persistence and dedication to this organization paved the way for many more successes down the road. 
 
As I am approaching the end of my senior year, I think back on all my accomplishments and successes I have had while in high school. The year 2020 was one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life, challenging in the sense of being spared the experience of in-person events as a State officer. However, throughout my not so normal year, I have been given the amazing opportunity to meet with legislators, agribusiness leaders, and state officers from all 52 states and territories from the comfort and safety of my own home. In addition, my team and I have conducted over 50 business and industry tours, held the first ever virtual leadership camp, visited colleges all over Louisiana, and advocated for an industry that means so much to all of us. While this past year has in no way been normal, I truly feel as if I gained the ultimate FFA State Officer experience. 
 
Why FFA? This is a question I have been asked often throughout my FFA experience. Why go through the long strenuous hours of studying for a contest or having to swallow the anxiety that comes with being a leader? No matter where you go within the FFA, there is always something for everyone. Whether you're the football star, the 4.0 high school scholar, or even the student that was “forced” into their agriculture class because there was no other open elective. These leadership and vocational ag classes offer so much, whether it be learning about row crop production or perfecting your job interview skills. A common misconception associated with the FFA is that only farmers or those with an agriculture background can participate and be successful within this organization. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. FFA is a place for believers, achievers, and leaders. For example, while I’ve met tons of amazing people throughout my journey in FFA, one specific individual stuck out to me. She came from a difficult background and thought she would never amount to anything. However, she developed many vital skills while being an active member such as public speaking and self-confidence. This individual went on to be very successful within her contests despite not coming from an agriculture background. This is only one of the thousands of stories that have been created in FFA. 
 
So, why FFA? That's up to you. At the end of the day, you're the author of your own story. Go out and create one. 
 
Remember to treat people with kindness,
Sydni

"You Are Not Alone" by State Reporter Megan Chiasson

December Blog

80,000
525,600
8,000,000

These numbers represent aspects of our lives, figures that define the world as we know it. We meet 80,000 people in our lifetime. There are 525,600 minutes in a year. 8,000,000, or 1 in 6, youth aged 6 to 17 suffer with mental illness in daily life, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Without a doubt, 2020 has not helped in lowering this number. The CDC recently conducted a study that found that almost half of the American adults have experienced deteriorating mental health as a result of the ongoing pandemic, increased natural disasters, and the presidential election. With such a life-changing year, how do we keep in touch with our mental health? How do we keep our sanity and stay in touch with normality? It may be difficult to search for the answers of these questions, but we all must remember: we are not alone.

Louisiana FFA, you are not alone. Through the depression, the anxieties, and the darkest times, you are not alone. This organization not only stands for the advocacy of agriculture but for advocacy of each other. Our connection through this great organization brings us a web of support and understanding. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from professionals. Trust me, it can be scary, but sometimes that one push can help for a lifetime.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone to take a deep breath and relax as we move into the wonderful holiday season. Enjoy time away from the stress of school with your friends and family. Make time for yourself and do your favorite things, whether it be reading, binging television shows, or baking your favorite Christmas cookies. Take some time to truly listen to yourself and your mental health. I’m here, your fellow FFA members, officers, and teachers, and your friends and family are all here for you.

Soon, we will be out of 2020, and the clock will reset to 525,600 minutes. Until then, always remember: you are not alone.

Happy Holidays,
Megan Chiasson
State Reporter

 

"Anger to Advocacy" by State President, Kaleb LeMoine 

November  Blog

As a little kid I was absolutely obsessed with the Titanic. This ship was a gateway to a time that I’d never known. Books and magazines about it littered my bedroom floor. I memorized facts, read articles, and became as passionate about a ship as any 8 year old could be. I would recite everything I learned if someone gave me the opportunity, but get easily frustrated if no one wanted to listen. Each of us cares deeply for something we feel is important. Whether we believe in the future of agriculture or the Black Lives Matter movement, our voices can create real and lasting change. However, it’s easy to get angry when someone shows no interest in our cause. Here’s the solution to this: turn your anger into advocacy. 

First, we need to define what an advocate is. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an advocate is one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group. I think of Malala Yousafzai, the young Pakistani girl passionate about girls receiving an education. To this day she is still an ardent advocate, even after being shot by the Taliban for speaking out. She famously said, “I don’t want revenge on the Taliban, I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban.” Imagine if we were all like Malala in this way—not feeling any anger towards those who don’t agree with our cause but still striving to improve the world for everyone. Her experiences in Pakistan laid the foundation for her passion: giving everyone access to a quality 12-year education.

Next on our path to becoming an advocate, what’s the reason behind advocacy? Why do we advocate? Malala said, “I tell my story, not because it is unique, but because it’s not. It is the story of many girls.” Advocacy makes people aware of important issues and lets people have their voices heard.  Having the opportunity to attend school up until the Taliban took over home in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, Malala stood up to the injustices she and many other girls faced. Her courage helps millions of girls go to school. 

Lastly, how do we advocate? Advocacy can come in many different forms. Malala started advocating on the streets of her hometown. At the age of 16, she founded a global non-profit called The Malala Fund. This organization supports education activists and promotes policy changes in education. That’s pretty spectacular, right? It’s understandable that most of us may not have the means to start our own international organization, but we can practice other forms of advocacy. This could be initiating important conversations in our communities, beginning a social media project, or even serving as a State FFA Officer. It’s also important to educate yourself as much as possible on whatever you’d like to advocate for. Find your passion and share with other people. If it’s art, agriculture, education, or campaigning for human rights, you can be a true advocate.

I hope that you feel empowered to make a difference in any way that you can. We must be the change we wish to see in the world. Thanks for reading, my friends.

Live long and prosper, 

Kaleb

 

"Optimism" by State Secretary Emmerson Lyons

October Blog

What are some of your strengths and weaknesses? I always find myself being asked this question, and every time I rattle off “optimistic”, but I’ve never thought about the true meaning of the word. I’ve always thought of myself as an optimistic person until this past year, and especially these past several months. In Webster’s Dictionary, being optimistic is defined by: “of, relating to, or characterized by optimism: feeling or showing hope for the future”. I know for a fact that I haven’t been a true embodiment of this word throughout these past several months.  

Let’s backtrack to March 13, 2020. I was in Alexandria at the Women in Agriculture Conference when a buzz of conversation began amongst the crowd that we would be going into a state-wide quarantine. At the time I didn’t mind it - two weeks off of school, I was ecstatic - but little did anyone know we would be entering into a new world of quarantining and social distancing. At the time FFA events were being postponed under the assumption that they would resume in-person...that clearly was not the reality of the case. Louisiana FFA and its state officers had to quickly adapt by converting many things to a virtual format, including state officer elections. Since being elected, my team knew we would have to adapt to hosting and participating in traditional events virtually; and I’m not going to lie, at first, I was so excited to serve this year and felt optimistic for what we could accomplish, not thinking that this pandemic would still be as big as it is right now, and slowly I began to lose hope. I began to lose hope and found myself not wanting to attend events because it was from behind a screen, and what was I going to get out of that? There were days that I didn’t want to get out of bed because just the thought of what my year of service looked like was so sad to even think about. I found myself sad, depressed, angry, and unsure of what the rest of this year would hold. It all felt so unreal. After a few weeks of talking to my advisors and family, I realized that while this is something I can be sad about, I need to acknowledge the many opportunities available to take advantage of. Slowly but surely I began to have little sparks of hope here and there, I began to get excited about participating in events from behind a screen. Little did I know that a global pandemic wasn’t the only thing I needed to worry with.

Then, Hurricane Laura hit, a category 4 hurricane that completely devastated a large amount of Southwest Louisiana. Things were finally starting to feel hopeful, but now everything is back to being put on hold. Events were being postponed and later canceled; again I started to feel like my old self, not wanting to even think about the rest of this year of service, wanting to give up because I saw no hope for the future. Again, I began to talk to my advisor about how I felt and they helped me come to the realization that clearly this year isn’t ideal and it isn’t normal, and I have every right to be upset about it, but being upset won’t change anything. If I wanted to make a change I had to get up and help, reach out to the community and support it. They made me realize that this year could be absolutely amazing, and we could make such an impact not only on Louisiana FFA but on the entire state.

Even though this year seems to be off to a rough start, I’ve just recently become more optimistic for the future, even though I have absolutely no idea what it holds seeing how 2020 seems to be full of surprises! It may have taken me a long time to realize that even though it’s not an ideal year, I still need to be optimistic and have trust in what’s in store for me. Louisiana FFA, this year is not normal, it’s not ideal, it’s not what we’re used to but we have to adapt to our current situations and have hope and trust that it will all settle itself out. Never stop being optimistic, because without optimism there’s no hope, and if there’s no hope, then how do expect ourselves to flourish this year? No matter who you are, if you’re a freshman or in junior high, make the most of it. If it’s your last year and you’re graduating, make the most of it. Take advantage of every single opportunity that arises because who knows, 2020 may just surprise us all.

"Live Everyday Like It's Friday" by State Vice President Sadie Foster

August Blog

 

“Governor John Bel Edwards announced plans to close all K-12 schools…” When these words spread around Louisiana in March of 2020, panic struck. Everyday supplies in grocery stores quickly disappeared from the shelves. Supply chains were disrupted and meat prices skyrocketed. Spring sports were cancelled and extracurriculars were put on hold. For months, both the state and nation was shut down. There is no doubt that this was, and still is, a challenging time. During this time, the words “cancelled”, “postponed”, and “virtual” were normalized. This made many feel as if their year had been robbed - stolen right out of their hands. Scrolling through social media or TV Channels without hearing about the latest cancellations was simply impossible. It’s all that was being discussed. 

But, let’s address what wasn’t being discussed. We as leaders, teachers, students, and agriculturists have been able to persevere through these trying times and create new and innovative ways to communicate with each other. Through newly founded technology usage, we have been allowed to move forward in hosting virtual FFA events with members from across the entire nation. Members have been able to gain one-on-one experiences with National and State officers through virtual workshops and hangouts, which can be a challenge during a “normal” year. With newly available time in their schedules, stakeholders, national politicians, and state leaders have been able to truly connect with our organization and industry and realize its vital importance.

Albert Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” This quote directly relates to how FFA has been persevering through the hardships provided during 2020. On April 16th, 2020, National FFA Secretary Kourtney Lehman was still able to host one of many virtual workshops for FFA members across the nation. In the months of May and June, the Louisiana FFA Association was able to virtually elect nine State Officers to represent our state throughout the next year. Furthermore, the Louisiana FFA Association has adapted to new limitations and hosted the first of its kind, virtual Leadership Camp, virtual State Convention, and even virtual Career and Leadership Development Events. In the upcoming months, Louisiana FFA will continue to push through these uncertain times to be the best it can be for its members.

Although we have been provided with a plethora of reasons to give up, we overcame obstacles and adapted to our new normal. So, instead of focusing on the opportunities missed or the plans that have been changed, let’s focus on the opportunities being created and the plans being renewed. I bet some of you are asking how this is possible. Some examples of how Louisiana FFA has been doing this includes planning virtual chapter visits, virtual Area officer elections, and even some virtual business tours. Chapters across the state have been opening up their students to hundreds of newly-found internet resources. These range from educational videos, to PowerPoint presentations, to research articles - all of which were rarely used prior to COVID-19 due curriculums that focused on hands-on learning. 

There are tons of resources available to everyone on our website and social media. If your chapter needs help on getting virtual events started, you can always shoot an email to a state officer or state staff member. You could even check out the social media pages of chapters from around the state, where you’re guaranteed to find some pretty neat ideas. Our state officers are always eager to connect with local chapters, so we would love to help in coming up with new creative ideas and doing virtual chapter visits. 

To close this out, I want you to think about your first day of school this semester. When your alarm woke you up, what did you think? Did you think “ahh...I am so glad that it’s Monday”? Or did you think, “I’m so glad I'm awake and starting my week”? No? Now, think about your first Friday of the semester. When your alarm woke you up, I can guarantee that 9/10 of us thought “thank goodness it's FINALLY Friday! This week is finally over.” Now, let’s relate this back to a bigger picture. When you wake up in the morning, I want you to look forward to what is coming. Be excited about the new opportunities being offered, and be hopeful that the day will bring good. Instead of dreading what’s to come, be thankful for what has passed and the new opportunities arriving. Tackle everyday with a Friday mindset, where you are simply looking forward to what lies ahead, because who doesn’t love a good Friday?

"Sticking to Our Roots" by State Vice President Tristan Foret

April Blog

When people think of the agricultural industry across the United States, mental pictures of tractors cultivating an Iowa corn crop or a rancher riding through a herd of cattle across the plains of Oklahoma come to mind. This is the face of American agriculture and defines what stereotypical farming is made of, but oftentimes we forget about the smaller, more specialized operations that are embedded in the most unique corners of America. Here in Louisiana, we are blessed to house an industry developed for generations with rich ties to the Southern Louisiana Roots. Aquaculture is an industry producing essential Louisiana commodities comprising the production of shellfish, fish and aquatic plants.

Louisiana is home to the production of alligators, baitfish, catfish, crawfish, oysters, and shrimp. This is one of the many hidden gems that lie within the economic impact that agriculture has on the Louisiana economy. According to the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation’s Ag in the Classroom Program, the total gross farm value in the state of Louisiana for alligator, marine fisheries, crawfish, oysters and rice is $954,433,761! Our state proudly makes up twenty-five percent of the nation's production of shellfish. 

One of the most versatile economic benefits of aquaculture is its ability to be grown as a secondary crop for supplemental income in large scale, commercial operations. Rice, a semi-aquatic commodity, can also be grown in conjunction with crawfish as a combined income for the local farmer. While the rice is harvested as a source of food for local consumers, its stems and by-products also create an essential food supply for the crustations also occupying the ponds. This allows our aquaculturist to work efficiently and create a healthy crop in both rice and crawfish when used within the same fields. Practices like these allow producers to create a higher financial yield per acre and use them in a dual-purpose setting. 

We are currently serving as the model for American aquaculture and strong representative of such a vital industry that has developed over generations, keeping the gulf-coast citizens employed. These practices were once used as the primary source of nutrition for the first Acadianians brought to south Louisiana in efforts to survive off of the land that they were given, due to the efforts to develop the lands of the recent Louisiana Purchase in the early 1800’s. These original Cajuns began to use the resources that were provided by the land in efforts to survive, and little did they know, the critters they would eat out of desperation would eventually become a staple in Louisiana cuisine and a delicacy across the nation. It is noted that approximately seventy-seven percent of the state’s visitors are drawn to the deep south in hopes to get the opportunity to try its world-renowned, locally produced seafood.   

When thinking about the scope of Louisiana agriculture and economy, it's essential to recognize the specialty markets that we are immersed in and leading. Our state has a special agricultural production layout and we have the ability to stand out among others. What we have in south Louisiana is a market completely unique to us that could not survive anywhere else. It has been developed through ancestral practices and is now the backbone of the state's largest tourist attractions. As FFA members, it's our time to advocate for our local industries and raise awareness that we are unique, we are proud, and we are sticking to our roots.

"Small Decisions, Big Impacts" by State Treasurer Victoria Higdon

March Blog

What is the best decision you ever made? For me, it’s usually the one with a grand accomplishment at the end of the story that shows exactly how successful I was. But in truth, my best decisions are not always ones that reach the grand spotlight.

For example, agreeing to do a public speaking contest was one such decision. In the beginning, I was absolutely terrified. At the first contest, I could barely even look the other competitors in the face because my nerves were getting to me. Yet I decided I was going to learn my speech, research the topic, and practice for hours until I got it down. Joining my school’s cross-country team was another. I wasn’t the fastest runner or the most motivated. However, I decided I was going to do all my workouts, run without stopping and beat my mile time. My next big decision was to put in my application to run for a state office, but my mind was filled with self-doubt. What experience or skill could I possibly bring to the table? Why would they choose me? But I had decided I was going to give my best long before I filled out that application.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t get caught up in the other candidates’ accomplishments. They were area officers, state winners, and proficiency award finalists. How could I compare? I forgot the accomplishments I made because I didn’t believe them to be as grand as everyone else’s. I soon realized that no title would make my impacts any more or less meaningful, but instead the care and work I put into them. My best decision was never giving up on the small things, that in turn made up the big things.

If I had quit doing public speaking, I couldn’t expect myself to give great speeches. If I never finished a race, then I couldn’t expect myself to get up early in the mornings and give my all in everything I did that day. If I neglected the needs of my chapter, there was no way I would be able to be there for my state. If I ignored every opportunity for success because I “didn’t feel like it” or “didn’t want to”, what makes me think I would ever be there for myself or be successful in my future career? Since I gave my all at the small tasks, I don’t struggle for the big tasks.

Being a state officer does not mean you start making a difference. It means you continue making the difference that you’ve already started to make. For those of you considering running for an area or state office- if you have a genuine love, mindset, and work ethic for the FFA, our members, and agricultural education, you will always be enough to be a leader. Being a member now means you can make your own impacts that will serve you and your community regardless of what stage you’re at in your FFA career. In return, those impacts will positively follow you for a long time. Louisiana FFA, I encourage you to go out there and start making those best decisions!

"Change Through Biotechnology" by State Vice President Trevor Touchet

February Blog

What is biotechnology? Biotechnology—an area of agricultural science involving the use of scientific tools and techniques, including genetic engineering, molecular markers, molecular diagnostics, vaccines, and tissue culture, to modify living organisms: plants, animals, and microorganisms. It’s obvious that without biotechnology, agriculture wouldn’t be what it is today. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to a time before biotechnology. We have grown a lot since the beginning of farming. For example, we have developed GMOs, various vaccines for animals, and pest resistant crops to aid in producing enough food to feed our growing world. With the world’s population expecting to reach 9.7 billion by the year 2050, biotechnology plays a huge role in accomplishing this goal by helping to increase crop yield.

Biotechnology is vital to agriculture. It allows farmers to grow more food on less land while using farming practices that are more environmentally sustainable. With the use of biotechnology, farmers yield more per acre, plants resist specific insects and pests, and farming techniques can be used to improve soil conservation. Farmers and ranchers can help plants and animals fight diseases and adapt to environmental stress and climate change. We can enhance the nutritional content of foods and improve human health through plant and animal produced therapies. There are so many more benefits of biotechnology and it will play a huge role in farming for years to come.

Biotechnology provides farmers with tools that can make production cheaper and more manageable. For example, some biotechnology crops can be engineered to tolerate specific herbicides, which makes weed control simpler and more efficient. Other crops have been engineered to be resistant to specific plant diseases and pests, which can make pest control more reliable and effective which could also help decrease the use of synthetic pesticides. In addition to genetically engineered crops, biotechnology has helped make other improvements in agriculture not involving plants. Examples of such advances include improvements in antibiotic production  and producing new animal vaccines, such as foot & mouth disease and rabies. As you can see biotechnology not only plays a major role in the future of our crops, but it also has huge importance in strengthening our animals as well.

All in all, biotechnology is of grave importance for the future of our nation and the world. Without it, feeding the world in the future might not be possible, but biotechnology can only do so much.  World population is expected to double within the next few decades, meaning that food and crop production must be able to meet the rising demand. With new advancements everyday, biotechnology has already done so much to change how we currently feed the world. Imagine what it will be in 20 years! However, these advancements would not be possible without aspiring agriculturalists like yourself.  So, I challenge YOU all to be those that we need to make the change you want to see in the world!

"What Makes Me Who I Am" by State Sentinel Lindsey Detraz

January Blog

It is the most underestimated time of the year again, calving season. When passing a cattle pasture most may think “look at all the cute little babies” or “that poor cow must be taking a nap”. For cattle farmers and livestock showers this is a much different ball game. Those calves are a brand new bag of ear tags, and that momma cow taking a nap turns into a dreaded 2am distress call. It may sound like a hassle, but for us, the party is just getting started. The next few months consist of pasture checks, vaccinating, weaning, culling, and--my favorite part--shopping for the next grand champion show project. 

We always hear the basic things that livestock projects give to youth showmen; like responsibility, work ethic, showmanship, etc. Although these are all amazingly true, we never talk about the aspects that make a showman. Growing up surrounded by cattle, it seemed like every weekend we were working them, fixing fence, or moving them to more level ground for a storm coming. Those weekends soon turned into every day and night spent in the barn working with my animals prepping for the upcoming show. To my classmates this was a silly, stinky hobby, but to me it was not only a lifestyle but my future.  

After 7 years of showing, my parish’s cattlewomen’s president Ms. Tweety Trahan approached me with what seemed like the most ridiculous question. She asked me to be Vermilion Parish’s Cattlemen’s Queen. My head spun for weeks thinking about how could a little country bumpkin like me be a beauty queen. After a lot of thinking, I finally gave in to her request and every day I am beyond grateful I did. At first, it was completely terrifying going through interviews, talking in front of people, and being the face of our parish’s cattle industry. I soon realized having this crown on my head may have made me look different, but even without it on I was the same person. I soon became a role model for the kids at the show barn, and the one they came to for advice inside and outside the show ring. It was not long that I realized what my cows have given me, it was not a crown or local fame, they gave me so much more than I ever could recognize. 

Even though my reign of being Vermilion Cattlemen’s Queen had ended, I knew I was not finished advocating for the industry that has changed my life and many others. Of course, FFA was a big part of my life through all of this, but I now recognized this as a chance to bring recognition to the cattle industry and those alike that go unnoticed. As a result, I made it a point to compete in the public speaking LDEs, not to win, but to learn more about and acknowledge these industries and what they have done for people like me. I never thought that crown and that blue jacket would have taken me so far. Check out how this little country cow-loving bumpkin has achieved the impossible feat of talking in front of thousands of members and making a difference, and now you are reading her blog! So the next time you see that momma cow “taking a nap” in your buddy’s pasture, make sure to give them a call, that could be the start to their future. 

"It's a Family Tradition" by State Parliamentarian, Matthew Phillips

December Blog

     “Why?”—A child’s favorite question. I would imagine most children grow up asking their family why they decided to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or any other typical profession. The younger generation is always curious as to why their family decided to take a certain path and whether they’ll choose to take the same path. Some kids may grow up to become the same thing as their parents but most don’t. You see, most families decided to ‘change their direction’ due to numerous factors. Growing up, I have been extremely blessed to have a family who did not abandon the original American occupation. My family owns and operates a 2,500-acre generational sugarcane farm in Franklin, LA. Because of this, I was able to witness firsthand the highs and lows of agriculture from an early age.

Imagine an eight-year-old boy whose interest did not veer far from the farm. Many of my childhood toys always related back to the farm whether it was tractors, combines, or semi-trucks. On weekends and holidays, I did not want to go to the mountains, beach, or even Disney World but rather the sugarcane farm. I would constantly bug my grandfather and uncles all hours of the day to let me ride the tractors on the farm. Early on, I can recall waking up at 5:30 in the morning to be the co-pilot to my Uncle Donnie while he operated the combine during the harvest season. For those of you who know me, you’ll know that I always have a ton of questions…just imagine me as a child. While I am sure I had many questions that frigid December morning, it was never a question that I wanted to help in ‘carrying on this family tradition’. 

These encounters and interactions with my uncles continued on weekends and holidays until I was in the eighth grade when I was able to work my first true day. After working that day, it became surprisingly evident that the joys of riding on the tractor and other equipment did not quite define farming. In that moment, I had to ‘stop and think it over’. I realized that there are hardships and struggles that famers face every day in order to create a product that is satisfactory to consumers across the globe. Farmers know to always expect the unexpected and be prepared for when those unexpected incidents arise. Working long hours on my family’s sugarcane farm has taught me resiliency and given me an appreciation for the people whose toil affects the lives of so many as they are simply ‘living out the song they wrote’. Although I too have ‘changed my direction’ to educate the next generation of agriculturists by becoming an agricultural educator, I will be forever grateful for the knowledge and values gained from Bayou Sale Cane and intend to one day ‘carry on an old family tradition’.

"How Are You A Part of Agriculture?" by State Vice-President, Amber Bridges

November Blog

When wearing the blue jacket, it’s pretty common for people to ask you how you are connected to agriculture. For some people, the answer to that question could be really easy to answer, as they come from a traditional agricultural background whether their field of experience lies within animal production, crop production, or even from owning their own little piece of land where they grow or produce goods for their family. But for me, it’s the total opposite. When it comes to the traditional agricultural life, the closest I ever came to that was having dogs and cats as pets. The closest thing to field crop production that I came to was when my third grade teacher grew beans with us as a class project. That was my agricultural background until my freshman year of high school. 

In the spring semester of my eight grade year, the freshmen counselor came to speak to all of the students that would be attending West Ouachita High School the following year. Knowing that our town really isn't that big into agriculture and it doesn't involve many students within that lifestyle, she sold the agriscience class to many students by saying the if you take this class for two years, you won't have to take a senior science. Hearing those words, I instantly knew that I would be taking an agriscience class the first two years while I was at West Ouachita. Fast forward some time and I was walking into agriscience I with the advisor, Ms. Martin. She was the individual  that kickstarted my career and interest in not just FFA, but agriculture. Going to the 212/360 conference allowed me to see that not only are the people in this organization from all different kinds of agricultural backgrounds, but many also had backgrounds just like mine. It showed me that no matter what or where you came from, you could still be a part of agriculture. Competing in the many difference CDEs let me know that agriculture isn't just about the animals, the farmer and their crops. It's also about the floral designers creating your prom corsage and the eighteen-wheeler drivers hauling logs from the cutting site in the forest to the mills that all play a major role in Louisiana agriculture. Without those truck drivers, our state's number one commodity would not be forestry.

Being a part of FFA, I was given the opportunity to experience the typical, most well-known side of agriculture. From my sophomore to my senior year of high school, I had the chance to show swine and get to experience the joys and discomforts of raising livestock. I was not aware of the hard work that some people put into their projects. Because of my experiences within the FFA, I have grown to learn more about the traditional agricultural lifestyle and have a newfound appreciation for those individuals who do so. I may not have come from an agricultural background or been exposed to that way of life during my younger years, but my connection to agriculture is there. Being a part of the FFA has allowed for me to ignite a passion that I never knew I had before. When I am now asked how I am a part of agriculture, I proudly day that I live and enjoy all the different opportunities and chances that this organization and agriculture gives you.

The Importance of the Original Roots of Agriculture" by State President, Jadyn' Durr

October Blog

Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492. This is a phrase most Americans know. He did many things such as making four trips across the Atlantic, exploring the coast of what is now North and South America. But one of the big things he did was push Native Americans out of their land, seemingly erasing their towns, families, and their progress in agriculture. Today, we still see the Native American population as a minority in agriculture and the FFA. Recently, there has been an extremely big push towards diversity and inclusion within the FFA, but resources to help chapters achieve this goal are sparse. Personally, I was one of those people who continually ignored all that Native Americans offered to agriculture as I felt I had no place to speak for them. I was never involved in tribes that I have relations with, and I never took the step to understand what true native agriculture was. However as I continued to be involved in the FFA on a state and national level and after sitting through continuous workshops on diversity and inclusion, the same question popped into my head: how can we talk about inclusion when the topic of the original ‘American Farmer’ is still rarely mentioned? 

I knew then that I wanted to find a way to talk about Native American agriculture, but unlike many others I did not want to advocate for something that I had no actual knowledge on. I was able to get in touch with Mackenzie Martinez, a Louisiana Choctaw Native.  Mackenzie, like most great FFA members, was incredibly involved. She grew up in a rural community where she raised chickens, turkeys, rabbits, and show pigs. She had a vegetable garden, and most everything she knew about agriculture was passed down from generation to generation. Yet unlike most of us, she grew up seeing and hearing prevalent problems facing Native American farmers. Mackenzie states, “Tribal farmers and ranchers face so many different obstacles because of their status as members of sovereign tribal nations. There are barriers to things like access to credit and lenders that won’t facilitate tribal members.”  The United States Government Accountability Office has created a report on the credit barriers Native American farmers face and how it affects them. Information provided by the Native Farm Bill Coalition gives us a glimpse of these issues, as well. The Coalition states, “Indian Country has been largely pushed to the margins of Farm Bill discussions for decades – which means that Native Americans and tribes are missing out on major opportunities to protect and advance their interests.” The Native Farm Bill Coalition website goes into great detail of how it is important that our native farmers have the support needed to thrive in the community. 

Mackenzie also states, “There is also a need for more funding towards tribal colleges and universities that establish them as land grant institutions.” I, along with many others, did not know about land grant tribal universities, but in 1994, roughly 34 tribal colleges received land-grant institution status. This means they were allowed access to federal government resources that allowed them to become more self-sufficient. Yet, according to the American Council of Education’s review of tribal funding, many of these colleges have yet to see the funding they were promised. In some instances a tribal college or university (TCU) could be promised $8,000 per Indian student and only receive $6,000. Do not get me wrong, $6,000 is a lot of money, but for many of these TCUs that $2,000 difference means more than we will ever know. 

With that being said the most important thing we can do is find ways to help out the cause. As FFA members or anyone involved in agriculture we have the power to use our platform to speak for those who may not be able to. Mackenzie especially harped on that fact. She states, “I think that non-native students can promote the story of traditional Native American agriculture by being aware and open-minded. When discussing students supporting one another in order to move forward in this space, the Louisiana FFA Association and even the National FFA Organization, if it hasn’t already, needs to take a stance on issues pertaining to cultural respect.”      

The reason I joined the FFA and even ran for state office was to open up a discussion of diversity and inclusion that was not built on the basis of guilt but on the basis of understanding. I think the most important thing we can do as members is to make sure that everyone has their chance to be heard.

There was one thing that Mackenzie said that truly expressed the importance of representing Native Americans. “There are certain challenges to growing up on a reservation that many native youth face, and recognition in the FFA is an opportunity for them to develop into well-rounded individuals and implement that leadership into improving their communities.” When we look at the statistics, there are currently 165 Louisiana FFA members who self-reported Native American ethnicity,  meaning about 1.5% of our state’s membership is Native American. It’s not the biggest number, but it is a step in the right direction. We must also remember that numbers do not mean anything without something to show for it. We are awarded so many opportunities within the FFA, so why not work to ensure that everyone in the organization can share in those opportunities? Native Americans have been farming on this land longer than anyone knows, and they have so much to teach us about sustainable agriculture if we would just take the time to listen. It is time for us to take the initiative to understand their methods and traditions. My missions for all of you is to get in touch with a local tribe and truly pick their brains about what agriculture means to them. Find ways to get involved with their youth to understand the original roots of agriculture, and above all else, do what we were taught to do; represent our jacket with pride. 

May the odds be ever in your favor,

Jadyn’ Durr

"Real Food to You" By Dekota McGee, State Secretary

September Blog

“What am I eating?” “Where does my food come from?” “Is my food safe?” These are questions that more and more consumers are demanding be answered.  Parents want to provide healthier meals to their families, and some people want to treat their body’s better. As society becomes more aware of what they put into their bodies and what is going on around them, restaurant owners are taking the initiative in making their businesses’ more appealing to the public. 

Restaurant owners are making the choice to use local grown produce for their dishes, many hopping on the farm to table bandwagon. Farm to table restaurants are becoming a thriving sensation in larger cities across the state of Louisiana and the nation. If you’re not familiar with the farm to table movement, it is a social movement that promotes serving local food at restaurants and school cafeterias, preferably through direct acquisition from the producer. These establishments use their simple recipes to attract customers who want to experience a fresher and healthier meal, while also enjoying a groovy environment. Customers say that the food tastes fresher and overall much better than frozen and processed foods. This happens due to the effective transportation of goods being transported immediately from the fields of local farms to the kitchens of small restaurants.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Mr. Nathan Stubbs, the owner of a farm to table restaurant, The Saint Street Inn, located in Lafayette, LA. Stubbs began his business just under ten years ago and says that he absolutely loves his job. He says, “I have two favorite parts. The first being my staff and suppliers. The second being the customers and the atmosphere the community provides.” He mentioned that he enjoys seeing the vibes that his customers have as they sit with their friends. With the Saint Street Inn being only four minutes away from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, college students and professors often frequent the restaurant. “The support of the community truly fuels my passion to make my business thrive,” says Stubbs.

“When the Saint Street Inn began, it was built on the idea of cooking more meticulously and being creative with our ingredient choices,” said Mr. Stubbs. The restaurant provides consumers with a wide variety of food choices that are fresh and grown close to home. One thing that amazes and sticks with me was how the Saint Street Inn mainly used farm products grown or raised in Louisiana. The restaurant does not use large food distributors, but instead partners with local farmers to provide a fresher dish. The Saint Street Inn has over twenty farms that supply produce and products used to create their spectacular dishes. Stubbs says, “[Suppliers] are the backbone of our business. We couldn’t make it without them. Pastured pork comes from Husser, LA, eggs come from Alexandria, LA, pastured chicken comes from Singer, LA.” For me, there is nothing more refreshing than enjoying a meal with ingredients produced by Louisiana farmers.  

Don’t get me wrong, I love chicken nuggets and fries just as much as the next person, but I also enjoy supporting a restaurant that supports our local communities. Walking into a restaurant like the Saint Street Inn gives me hope that our small-time farmers are still appreciated. Choosing to eat at a farm to table restaurant will change a person’s view of creativity. I never thought of food as an art until I sat down with Mr. Nathan Stubbs. Stubbs truly loves what he does, how he does it, and the impact his business has had on himself and others. He started his business with a friend to try something new. This one choice turned into a profession that he is passionate about. Agriculture is affected by large corporate industries, but small businesses, just like the Saint Street Inn, matter too.

"Living to Learn" by State Vice President, Salem Johnson

August Blog

When many people think of agriculture, the image of a 500-acre row crop farm may pop into their head. For others, it’s an open pasture with 200 head of cattle roaming around. Either way, these agricultural industries are very important, but what about the industries only a few think about? What about the fisherman working in the Gulf of Mexico, or the foresters estimating how many board feet you can get within a certain area, or even the farmers that grow flowers for weddings instead of lettuce for salads? We as FFA members continuously represent our organization in and out of the blue jacket, but it is also our duty to be able to effectively advocate for each agricultural industry and its importance to our society. Here are three of my personal favorite unusual and unfamiliar agricultural industries.
Pearl Farming: The pearls generated by the pearl farming industry make up nearly 99% of all total pearls sold around the world. Since the beginning of pearl farming in the early 20th century, to now, it has become a billion-dollar industry. Starting at the beginning of the pearl farming process, many pearl farmers start by breeding their oysters. Once the oysters are mature, in about 2-5 years they will make a beloved pearl that will eventually be made into jewelry. How cool is that?! Each oyster can produce about 2-3 pearls in their lifetime before they are released back into the wild or are sold to various restaurants. Many people are not familiar with the pearl farming industry, but just imagine life without the beautiful, gleaming pearls that many of us enjoy today. 
Deer Urine Collection Farms: This second agricultural industry does not directly supply food to its customers, but instead better enables a customer to supply their own. If you are not familiar with hunting, a human's scent can repel a deer from a certain area; the deer urine collected from these farms can be used to mask this smell, resulting in a lower chance of repelling a deer and a higher chance of a kill. The deer urine industry is small and not very well known, but has a great impact on the food supply in the United States. About 40 million Americans' food security depends on the consumption of wild game each year. With the help of these deer urine farms, hunters can be better equipped to feed their families!
Lavender Farming: The popularity of lavender farming has grown tremendously over the past couple of year and is known to be very profitable. It is said that a quarter-acre of lavender can produce about 3,000 bunches, which is worth about $18,000! From floral arrangements and essential oils, to air fresheners and medicine, lavender has a great array of things it can be used for. So, next time you smell the calming sent of lavender, remember that a farmer produced it too!
Many people only consider the agricultural industries that produce us food, while a handful think of commodities such as jewelry, oils, wood, and countless others. However, it is our job as the future generation of agriculturists to inform the public about these different commodities and the effect they have on our lives. I encourage you to learn about a new agricultural industry you’re not familiar with.  Don’t be afraid to advocate for an agricultural commodity that has not had a direct impact on you. We as FFA members have the opportunity and obligation to be a platform for every agricultural industry and its influence on our world! So, stay informed, use your voice, and change the world!

"And on the Ninth Day, God Created the Ag Teacher" by State Vice President, Lane Degenhardt

May Blog

What exactly does student-led mean? It means that we as individuals, we as members have the right to choose what happens to our future, to our organization. This responsibility means dedication, passion, and persistence. However just because we are student-led does not mean we are on our own, so God created the Ag teacher. Every tree has its roots, every story has its origin, and for us as members we have our advisors. The guidance, the wisdom, the knowledge we need is provided to us thanks to these people for having made a choice to be involved in agricultural education to lead us, the future of our country. Many times when you ask an agricultural educator what made them decide to pursue this profession they will give you the same answer “I was inspired by my own agricultural teacher." These individuals work tirelessly to make sure that we get the same unique experiences that they themselves were able to procure as FFA members. We all have a specific story about a specific moment or a conversation with our advisors that truly made us into who we are today. For me it was practicing for the Creed Speaking competition my freshman year in FFA. It was after school and there were so many other things that my teacher could be doing, such as spending time with his wife and kids and yet he chose to spend it helping me. The moment I walked into the room I was told to leave and walk right back in, I repeated this process over fifteen times this was just in order to perfect my walk. We stayed for over two hours after everyone had left to make sure that I had everything I needed to succeed in my endeavors. The stories I’ve heard, the conversations I’ve had, the laughter I’ve experienced, and the tears that have fallen thanks to my advisors is something that has inspired me and countless others beyond belief. However this is something that is in extreme risk in this day and age.
Today within all fifty states there are over eleven thousand agricultural educators this might sound like a lot but there are over 135,00 private and public secondary schools and middle schools. One major argument that could be made is the majority of these schools don’t have an agricultural program for teachers to even go to. But with the major shortage of Ag educators, many schools who might be interested in building a program won’t have the teachers needed to properly care for its foundation. In addition of the 131 reported (meaning their information was sent into the the state office) 55 teachers are within 0-3 years of retirement, that means that within those 0-3 years, over 44% of agricultural teachers are eligible for retirement, leaving a giant need for agricultural educators to step into those new roles. That is the future of our organization, our passion as FFA members. Imagine if you didn’t have the experiences you’ve had in FFA, imagine if that teacher never took the time to offer guidance or wisdom, imagine if everything you’ve grown to love wasn’t available. These thoughts are becoming the new reality as we are in desperate need of Ag educators for the next generation. So what can we do?
If you believe that your passion could be in this field, don’t hesitate to at least look into it. Talk to your Ag teachers listen to their own stories and experiences, and really think if that’s what you want in life. If not for yourself then for the future generations. We are taught to be servant leaders not just for the betterment of ourselves but for those around us. So thank you teachers for showing us exactly what that means and consider the opportunity you have to do that for others.