Growing Leaders Through FFA: How the Organization Shapes Lives

By Riley Stockman



Members of the National FFA Organization across Florida celebrated National FFA Week in February highlighting how the organization prepares students for leadership and career success in agriculture.

The weeklong event showcases the impact FFA has on students nationwide through hands-on experiences, leadership development events and career preparation opportunities.

According to the organization, FFA helps students build skills in public speaking, time management and responsibility while exploring careers in agriculture. Less than 2 percent of members earn the American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest honor.

Florida FFA state officer Ryleigh Locke is one example of how the program shapes students into leaders.

“FFA offers quite a bit of career and leadership development events. Public speaking, responsibility, time management, all those things help anyone be successful in life.”

Locke said her involvement in FFA began after participating in 4 H and being influenced by her father who spent 19 years as an agriculture educator.

“It was an easy transition for me. I wanted to be able to compete in the competitive events FFA had to offer.”

One of her most memorable experiences came after years of competing in Parliamentary Procedure contests.

“That was my favorite FFA career memory.”

Locke also expanded her agricultural knowledge internationally through the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers where she traveled to Spain and learned about agriculture abroad.

Through her supervised agricultural experience Locke has built a herd of 43 registered Angus cattle while continuing to work on her family’s operation.

As she works toward earning her American FFA Degree Locke said the recognition reflects years of hard work and commitment.

“It’s finally seeing the work pay off.”

Locke encourages students who may be unsure about joining to give the organization a chance.

“There is genuinely a spot for everyone in FFA.”