Chelan FFA shapes future leaders in agriculture and beyond

CHELAN – Every year, National FFA Week offers an opportunity to showcase the impact of agricultural education, leadership, and hands-on learning in local chapters across the country.

Chelan FFA is one of over 9,000 chapters in the National FFA Organization. Originally named Future Farmers of America, the youth organization shortened the name to FFA in 1988 in order to better reflect the growing diversity and opportunities in the agriculture industry, beyond production agriculture. Today, local chapters such as Chelan FFA promote leadership and personal growth through agricultural education for the next generation of farmers, teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners, and more.

“FFA just in general has just shown me that agriculture is so much more than anyone ever thinks. Like, you think, ‘Oh, it's just farming.’ No, it's so much more than that. Our FFA contests range from employment skills to vet science contests, which is one of my favorites,” said Chelan FFA President Abby Ludwig.

Ludwig was introduced to FFA through an introduction to agriculture class her freshman year, where she was inspired to participate in a few FFA contests. From there, Ludwig was impressed by the amount of agency given to students. In addition to competing in fairs and conventions, the students learn how to organize, fundraise, and advertise events such as their Harvest Festival, or Valentine’s Day flower sale.

“I really liked how involved I get to be in the planning and the outcome of the club, and fundraisers and all that…Like, this is important. This is on me. This is my job,” said Ludwig.

Ludwig’s participation over the years has sparked interest in pursuing a career as a large animal veterinarian after high school. In fact, she’s already learned how to give animals shots through FFA, an experience beyond what is offered in a typical classroom.

In October, Ludwig and 15 other Chelan FFA students traveled to Indianapolis, IN to attend the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo. There, they had the opportunity to meet Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent author and speaker on both autism and animal behavior, and a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.

“Getting to meet her and see the things she's done through animal science is really like, 

‘Wow, this is amazing. I want to do something just like this,’ and it's just kind of [inspired] me to try and succeed as hard as I can,” said Ludwig.

Chelan FFA will celebrate National FFA Week with a movie night, featuring Napoleon Dynamite. Everyone is welcome to the event, which starts at 6 p.m. on Feb. 21 in the Chelan High School Commons. The event is free, with concessions for sale. Blankets, chairs, and comfy clothes are recommended.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media