Rockwall High School Ag Class a Popular Choice Among Students

A few weeks ago, USA Today published an article about an FFA program in St. Louis that illustrates how broad and diverse agriculture is today. The story also reported how students of various backgrounds are being introduced to the choices they have when considering agriculture as a profession.

Right here in Texas, students at Rockwall High School also are exploring the ever-growing field of agriculture. As described in this Dallas Morning News story, Casey Jones is the only Texas teacher currently qualified to teach Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE), a project of the National Council for Agricultural Education.

CASE recognizes that agriculture is much more than the food we eat and the clothes we wear. It’s a big part of our economy, and it’s growing. Students in the Rockwall program are developing skills for a variety of career paths that can lead to commodity markets, biology labs and veterinarian training.

It was exciting to learn each CASE unit offers national standards in core subjects such as English, science and math. Even if a student is not necessarily planning a career in production agriculture, he or she will have many career choices and will be better prepared for the rigors of college. This is a great example of the many good things happening in Texas agriculture, and the program in Rockwall could be a model for schools across the state.

FFA Day at the Capitol

Last Thursday was the first-ever FFA Day at the Texas Capitol. Around 500 of the best and brightest Texas FFA students spent the day interacting with lawmakers and learning how the government works on their behalf. They also learned more about how they can become part of the law-making process.

Texas FFA is the largest state association in the national FFA organization. The Texas Association represents one-seventh of the national FFA members.

I am so proud that FFA is giving students from both rural and urban backgrounds opportunities to learn about the diverse choices they have today to be a part of Texas agriculture. From large animal veterinarians and biology researchers to marketing specialists and economic experts, today’s agriculture career opportunities are much broader than they were a generation ago. Texas agriculture will continue to be a big part of our state’s economy, and I’m glad FFA is preparing Texas’ brightest leaders.

FFA - Not Just a Rural Thing

Texas FFA and 4-H programs are absolutely the best when it comes to training future leaders, developing responsible citizens and opening up minds to the big world we live in – without abandoning the heritage that brought us to the level of prosperity we enjoy today.

Even more interesting is that these programs attract a multitude of students who may not be engaged or have a history in production agriculture. Folks, that is a good thing.

With only 2 percent of our population actually engaged in production agriculture, we need allies; we need bright thinkers in related fields; and we desperately need more people in this world who have an appreciation and abiding respect for the role our farmers and ranchers play in enabling us to have a safe society through a safe and abundant food supply.

I encourage you to read this USA Today article that defines some real successes among those urban students who have participated in these outstanding leadership programs. The byline says St. Louis, but the story could easily be duplicated in any city in Texas.

A visit from the future leaders of Texas agriculture

Take a look below at the picture of the 2009-2010 Texas FFA officers. These young men and women represent hope and opportunity for Texas agriculture. They were in Austin recently and we had the chance to discuss their futures, the future of Texas and the future of Texas agriculture.

L-R front row: Allison Grainger, State President, Brenham FFA; Commissioner Staples; Tyler Brandfield, Boerne FFA; Katie Heinrich, Lubbock-Cooper FFA; Layton Norwood, Prairiland FFA and Miles Vann, Wellman-Union FFA. Back row: Jeremiah Miller, S&S Consolidated FFA; Kody Kale, Falls City FFA; Aron Hutchins, Stephenville FFA; Dakotah Williams, Glen Rose FFA and Kalen McLaurin; Big Sandy FFA.

While not all of these young leaders will go into a career field directly tied to agriculture, each will be a lifetime ambassador for agriculture. Each will be able to tell the story of the perseverance, tenacity and, yes, stubbornness required of every farmer and rancher who works daily to provide us with the most reliable, safest and most affordable food supply in the world.

If you don't already, please take time to volunteer to help the FFA program or agriculture department at your high school, or call your county extension agent and ask how you can help with your local 4-H clubs. Your future literally depends on it.