National FFA Week to Highlight Leadership, Service and Agricultural Education Nationwide

More than one million FFA members, alumni and supporters across the country will celebrate National FFA Week from Saturday, Feb. 21, through Saturday, Feb. 28, spotlighting the organization’s impact on students, schools and communities.

Coordinated annually by the National FFA Organization, National FFA Week is designed to showcase the value of agricultural education and the leadership development opportunities FFA provides to students nationwide.

FFA is the nation’s largest school-based youth leadership development organization, with more than 1,042,000 student members in 9,407 local chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, the organization rebranded to reflect its broader mission of preparing students for more than 350 careers in fields including business, science, engineering, education, communications and public policy.

“National FFA Week is a time when we showcase the collective impact of FFA nationwide,” said Dr. Travis Park, National FFA advisor. “Throughout FFA, we see our members stepping up as leaders, innovators and advocates for agriculture. We know this happens because of the dedication of agricultural teachers and FFA Alumni & Supporters. This week is when we celebrate the entire agricultural education ecosystem.”

During the week, the six National FFA Officers will travel across the country to connect directly with members. The officers will lead workshops, deliver keynote addresses and participate in local chapter events.

National FFA President Trey Myers will travel to North Carolina. Secretary Lilly Nyland will visit Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts. Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny will travel to Hawaii. Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank will visit New York. Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams will travel to Nevada, and Central Region Vice President Claire Woeppel will visit Utah.

“I’m really looking forward to heading to North Carolina and getting to see FFA show up in so many different ways,” Myers said. “From visiting brand-new chapters to meeting a group that’s learning about agriculture at a real, working zoo, every stop is going to tell a different story. What I’m most looking forward to, though, are the one-on-one conversations and hearing what FFA looks like in members’ lives.”

Chapters nationwide will host their own events in observance of the week. In Alaska, FFA members are marking the 50th anniversary of the state being chartered as part of the National FFA Organization, the final state to join. After many historical records were lost in a barn fire several years ago, Alaska FFA leaders are asking the public to share photos, documents and memorabilia to help rebuild the organization’s history. Those with materials are encouraged to contact Alaska FFA State Reporter Faith Stewart at faith@alaskaffa.org.

Each day of National FFA Week carries a special theme:

• Saturday, Feb. 21: FFA Week kickoff

• Sunday, Feb. 22 (SAE Sunday): Highlighting students’ Supervised Agricultural Experiences

• Monday, Feb. 23 (Day of Service): Encouraging chapters to serve their communities

• Tuesday, Feb. 24 (Alumni Day): Recognizing alumni and supporters

• Wednesday, Feb. 25 (Advisor Appreciation Day): Honoring agricultural educators

• Thursday, Feb. 26 (Give FFA Day): A nationwide fundraising effort with a goal of raising $1.75 million

• Friday, Feb. 27 (Wear Blue Day): Encouraging supporters to wear FFA blue

• Saturday, Feb. 28: Closing day of FFA Week

This year’s Give FFA Day introduces ChapterBoost, a crowdfunding initiative allowing donors to support specific local chapter projects focused on hands-on learning, leadership development and agricultural education. Contributions made through ChapterBoost on Give FFA Day will count toward the national fundraising total.

The National FFA Organization’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. More information is available at FFA.org.

The National FFA Foundation, a separately registered nonprofit governed by a 19-member board of trustees, partners with industry, education, government and individual donors to secure funding that supports FFA members and agricultural education. Approximately 82 percent of every dollar received directly supports student programs and opportunities.