Now a Veterinarian, FFA Alumni Member Promotes STEM Skills

Maryland FFA Alumni president Brooke Ridinger meets with an FFA member.

Brooke Ridinger was an FFA member of Maryland’s Catoctin FFA and still bleeds the blue and gold as the president of the Maryland FFA Alumni Association. Today, Ridinger, a veternarian in Thurmont, Maryland, believes in emphasizing the rigor and relevance of agricultural education.

She encourages community members to step up and help out, opening the eyes of members to career possibilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

A Part of History: Inside the Smithsonian FFA Jacket Donation

The blue jacket.

Since 1933, when the first jacket was worn to a national FFA convention, the piece of clothing has evoked many emotions. It is a tradition that evokes great pride and emotion. In 2015, that jacket, that sense of pride, will be shared with others who visit the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History as part of the American Enterprise exhibit.

Smithsonian: Tell Us Your Story of Agricultural Education

If you were a member of FFA, 4-H, or other agricultural education program as a kid, you know just how powerful these experiences can be.

Now you can share it with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History!

The museum is embarking on a project to fill its Agricultural Innovation and Heritage Archive. The online repository is geared to collect and preserve the history of modern agriculture.

Share your agricultural education story now!

Obviously, agricultural education — and FFA — have played a huge role in the development of American agriculture, which is why the museum is launching an effort to collect, preserve, and share stories of regular people from around the country whose lives have been touched by programs and activities.

Earth Day 2014: Vernon FFA (Fla.) Tackles River Cleanup

Editor’s Note: FFA members care about their education, their community and their environment. On Earth Day 2014, here’s one story about an FFA chapter making a difference in all three areas. This story is adapted from an article appearing in the winter 2014 edition of New Visions — the official newsletter of the National FFA Alumni Association.

Holmes River

At the heart of Washington County, Fla., is the Holmes River. Locally called “Holmes Creek,” the natural waterway is the center of community activities for boaters, fishermen, canoers and kayakers and swimmers. It flows for miles through the county, beginning as a tiny stream and continuing to grow as it is fed along the way by several springs.

Holmes Creek is often filled with boaters, fishermen, kayakers and swimmers, depending on the season. ‘Going to the creek’ is probably the favorite recreation for most of the youth in and around the town of Vernon. It also draws visitors from surrounding counties.

Support FFA with Ram Trucks’ Next Crop Project on April 26

On April 26, you can support FFA just by taking a test drive.

As announced during the CBS broadcast of the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night, Ram Trucks is continuing its support of the National FFA Organization with “The Next Crop Project.”

See the video now:

FFA Joins Brandt Racing for 2014 in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Justin Allgaier celebrates a NASCAR Nationwide Series win at Montreal in 2012.

FFA members will have a new team to root for in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season — including a driver who is a member of the National FFA Alumni Association.

FFA sponsor and scholarship supporter Brandt, Inc., announced Tuesday that Justin Allgaier would campaign the No. 51 Brandt Racing Chevrolet in 21 races at NASCAR’s highest level in 2014 — and that FFA would be on-board.

FFA Alumni Awards Three Outstanding Achievement Awards at 86th National FFA Convention & Expo

Three individuals who have dedicated years to increasing awareness and support of agricultural education and FFA while building FFA alumni programs at local, state and national levels were honored at the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo.

The National FFA Alumni Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award honors individuals each year who work to promote, serve and support agricultural education and FFA. Recipients volunteer their time and talents to encourage people at the local, state and national levels to get involved with FFA alumni efforts and activities.

Jim East of Georgia, Sherry Kiel of Michigan and James Grasee of Wisconsin were this year’s award winners.

FFA Alumni Awards Session Encourages Affiliate Growth

By Lauren Schwab, National FFA Convention & Expo Newsroom Reporter

“’I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words, but of deeds,’” recited National FFA Alumni President Anita Schneider as she welcomed FFA Alumni to the 42nd National FFA Alumni Convention awards session. “I know you’re here with me to celebrate those people who believe in this statement, for their actions do speak louder than words.”

The celebration began with the presentation of Outstanding Awards for Achievement, newsletter, website and affiliate followed by the Blue Blazer Awards. Growth was celebrated when the Tractor Supply Company awarded $1,000 Local Program Support grants to 12 active local affiliates. Eastern Region Vice President Joenelle Futrell, commended FFA alumni for helping FFA members grow.

Need help finding volunteers?

CSX can help!

CSX, a leading transportation company and platinum level FFA sponsor, is encouraging their employees to get involved with the local chapters in the communities where they work and live. As part of this effort, chapters now have the option to post volunteer opportunities via the Beyond Our Rails website.

This is open to any of the 23 states that CSX operates in. CSX employees can volunteer their time to help with career talks, CDEs, and service activities.

Visit https://www.easymatch.com/csxgive/applications/agency to login and up-load your activity. Click on the Yes, I have an ID and password, and then use the following information to login:

Account Number: 7128,
User ID: csxvolunteers
Password: Volunteer1

Finally, click on the new volunteer form.

Be sure to include your time zone and post at least two weeks in advance of the activity’s date.

Note: You cannot apply for anything else on the home page, only the volunteer query.  Posted opportunities are only accessible to CSX employees.

Thank you for  helping CSX get involved!

Have questions? Contact Rheba Howard with the National FFA Foundation, rhoward@ffa.org, 317-802-4268.

Introducing… National FFA Update with CEO Dwight Armstrong

We’re excited to share with you the premiere episode of  National FFA CEO Dwight Armstrong’s monthly video update!

In each episode Dwight will share the latest and greatest news from the National FFA Organization, National FFA Foundation, and National FFA Alumni Association.

In this episode, Dwight talks about FFA Week, Ram Trucks “So God Made a Farmer” ad, and the Agricultural Career Network.

Finally, help Dwight win his Twitter battle against National FFA Advisor Steve Brown! Follow him @FFADwight. And feel free to tweet him your questions and comments. (If Twitter isn’t your thing, email him at darmstrong@ffa.org.)