Nebraska Ag Connection - Ricketts Proclaims 'FFA Week' in Nebraska

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Ricketts Proclaims 'FFA Week' in Nebraska
Nebraska Ag Connection - 02/22/2018

Wednesday afternoon, flanked by FFA leaders and members, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring "FFA Week" in Nebraska. FFA, also known as "Future Farmers of America," started in 1928. Its 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." FFA Week is celebrated nationally from Feb. 17-24.

"FFA is helping raise up the next generation of Nebraska's farmers, ranchers, and ag innovators," said Ricketts. "Through FFA, students across Nebraska receive great agricultural education and training from this historic organization. FFA is developing the fresh thinkers and strong leaders our growing agriculture industry needs to innovate and move it forward in the 21st-century."

The Nebraska FFA Association was the sixth chartered by the National FFA Organization. Nebraska currently has over 8,500 FFA members in 185 chapters. Throughout the years, state departments have teamed up with Nebraska FFA chapters to promote agricultural education, career readiness, and professional development.

"FFA Week provides us an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our FFA members," said Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Steve Wellman. "FFA allows students an opportunity to grow as leaders while building their agricultural education, and, in turn, impacting their communities for the better."

"The FFA Organization helps to develop students through premier leadership, personal growth, and career success," said Nebraska State FFA Advisor Krystl Knabe. "The agriculture industry is the driving force for Nebraska's economy. Our state's educational system has recognized the importance of agriculture. We have a record number of agricultural education programs in Nebraska high schools and record high FFA membership. We are thrilled that Governor Ricketts is recognizing the Nebraska FFA Association during National FFA Week as the organization continues to develop and prepare future leaders of our great state."

The Nebraska FFA program is supported by the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

"The Nebraska FFA Foundation is committed to investing in agricultural education and FFA for over 8,500 FFA members and their advisors by growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture," said Nebraska FFA Foundation Executive Director Stacey Agnew. "I am thrilled Governor Ricketts is honoring FFA members and hope this will encourage more schools to add agricultural education and FFA programs. We need more career-ready students to help grow Nebraska's number one economic engine -- agriculture."

"FFA chapters across the state play a major role in preparing students for careers in agriculture production, business, education and leadership," said Nebraska Wheat Board Executive Director Royce Schaneman. "We appreciate the Governor recognizing the importance of FFA to Nebraska and look forward to celebrating this great organization."

"The future of agriculture is dependent on the younger generation," said Nebraska Cattlemen President Galen Frenzen. "Nebraska Cattlemen is grateful for all of the FFA programs across the State that are giving our students the knowledge and experience they need about our industry. As a former state FFA officer, I recognized firsthand the benefits of this organization."

"The Nebraska corn industry is very proud of our state's FFA students," said Nebraska Corn Board Executive Director Kelly Brunkhorst. "Many of our past and present board members were involved with FFA, and they understand and appreciate the value of the organization. Also, several of our staff members and student interns throughout the years have been involved in FFA, so it is exciting to see them incorporate the leadership skills they gained through FFA into their careers. We congratulate all of our FFA members and thank the teachers and advisors who help mentor them."

For more information about the Nebraska FFA, visit http://www.neaged.org/main.html.

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