Ag Week

"By the year 2050, producers of agriculture will have to produce twice as much food as we do now in order to feed the world." Said Ms. Devry Boughner of Cargill. Devry was the keynote speaker one night this week here in Washington, D.C., for National Ag Week. What a statistic huh?
This week my teammates and I, as well as FFA members from the surrounding area, swarmed capital hill to share the message of agricultural education and FFA. We shared with legislators and agricultural organizations that FFA members are the future leaders of the ag industry. They are prepared to take charge in more than 300 careers in agriculture. And people were excited to hear about our 29 year high in membership as well as our plans for growth in the future.
The coolest part about sharing the message of FFA is when I get to explain it to people who really don't have any idea about it. After taking the time to describe the three components: classroom, SAE, and FFA...and talk about our members, the opportunities, and our passion - somehow something within them clicks. They get this look in their eye and they finally get it! What a great way to advocate and share our passion for Agriculture!!!

Check out some of these awesome pictures from the week!

Go Kansas Staters!! On the left is Caleb Alexander - 2007 National Star in Agribusiness (and one of my great friends - and his jacket - its 8 years old). In the middle is Becky Sullivan - National FFA Secretary (and my NLCSO partner). On the left is some goofy looking guy who was lucky enough to be in the picture. All of us attend Kansas State University. Check out the College of Ag website: www.ag.ksu.edu. It's a great place!


This picture was taken at the USDA office building in Washington D.C. On the far left is: Allen Bowers, Virginia State FFA President. On the far right is: Kaila Hahn, Virginia State FFA Reporter. And stuck in between are members of the Strasburg FFA Chapter! Together, along with several other FFA members, we had one awesome pizza party at USDA!


Our nation's Capital - isn't it awesome!!


This picture is taken in Dr. Troy Justensen's office. Dr. Justensen is the Undersecretary for the Office of Adult and Vocational Education. That the same office where Dr. Case works. And our picture was hanging on the wall, right next to President Bush!




Did I mention we met the Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Schafer, and his wife! It was pretty cool!