Turner Today
Earlier this year, FFA (the Future Farmers of America) hosted an open-barn night at the Outdoor Learning Center off Sandy Lake road. The teachers and students staffing the event were open to talking about the animals and their experiences in FFA.
The FFA functions like a cross-curriculum course. The club offers opportunities for internships, scholarships, and the chance to participate in a unique learning experience that combines classroom studies with field practice. FFA hopes to teach young people about farming, the benefits of farming, and why farming is important. In FFA, the students can learn the basics of raising and taking care of animals, Ag-Mechanics, animal husbandry, wildlife sciences, and welding.
"We are like a family here," said Miss Cofield, one of the FFA teachers.
FFA puts emphasis on teamwork, as well as responsibility and loyalty. FFA is a nation-wide organization and every year there are competitions where students can make speeches about Ag-Advocacy and Ag-Sciences and showcase their animals to be judged. They also have PR contests that are open to the public as a way of promoting FFA.
Down At the Barn
By: Gregory Rogers
"The best feeling is getting through a show," said Kelly, FFA senior.
Kelly's White Chevy cow currently holds awards for Breed Champ and Reserve Breed Champ, which are two of the highest awards an animal can win in a show.
FFA teaches a large array of subjects, the most popular being husbandry. It isn't just typical farm animals either; some students raise rabbits.
"It takes responsibility," said Marina, FFA student.
If a student does not do their job correctly, there can be very real consequences for the animals. Unlike a regular core class, there can be no late work or reassessments. The animals require a daily commitment from their owner.
"It's about picking yourself up, getting the job done, day-after-day, no matter what," said Marina.
One of the few requirements for FFA is that the students have to take a Ag-Science class. This includes: Livestock Management, Small Animal Management, Vet Med 1&2, Principles of Agriculture, Welding, and Wildlife & Fisheries. Jessica Carias said that FFA helped her by requiring her to keep her grades up. Her favorite thing about FFA is the opportunity to meet new people.
"We work hard, but we learn from it," said Jessica Carias, FFA member. "We get dirty sometimes, but we have fun."
FFA is a unique way to learn and is still open to new members. Talk to MIss. Cofield or your counselor about FFA, if you are interested in joining.
"I'm excited for this year. I can't wait to learn more about the animals," said Keely Pike, a student new to FFA.