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.