California Ag Network

Tag: Future Farmers of America

  • Scholarship Luncheon Honors 28 FFA High School Seniors

    A record 28 senior high school students each received an award of $1,000 – $3,500 out of a total $59,000 — the most the Chamber has ever distributed in one year. Over the years, they have given out a cumulative $547,000.

    “This represents not just financial support, but a vote of confidence from your community,” remarked past recipient Gianna Gonzalez to the awardees at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Committee’s 26th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 17.

    The recipients stepped to the microphone, smiled and shared the college they plan to attend and their career goal. The career areas included equine dentistry, ag law, ag education, farming, cooperative extension, ag engineering, viticulture and enology, rangeland resource management, ag business, veterinary service, ag communication and policy, pest control advising and soil science.

    The Hughson Future Farmers of America (FFA) decorated the tables at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Hall with custom wood planter boxes filled with miniature pansies. Silver Hershey kisses and snack packs of Blue Diamond almonds dotted the tables as well. Farm Truck Catering served a grilled chicken lunch.

    The event was possible due to support by Garton Tractor and Lander Veterinary Clinic, along with Platinum Sponsors Manulife Investment Management and Stanislaus Food Products and Gold Sponsors InsureCAL and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    A total of 30 silver and bronze sponsors and five in-kind donors filled out the sponsor list, and many volunteers — including the students — pitched in to set up and clean up.    — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

  • Jill Sperling Named State Supervisor of Ag Education and California State FFA Advisor

    The California Association, FFA, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Sperling as the new State Supervisor of Agricultural Education and California State FFA Advisor. Her selection was made by the California Department of Education, taking effect on May 1, 2025, following the retirement of Charles Parker. She becomes the first woman to serve in this role in the organization’s nearly 100-year history.

    A respected agricultural educator and mentor, Sperling brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and leadership to the position, having earned multiple local and state awards for her excellence in teaching and service. Prior to this position, she served as the Central Region FFA Advisor for 10 years, supporting 86 agricultural education programs spanning from Sacramento to Merced counties. Before joining the state leadership team, Sperling spent 14 years as an agriscience educator and FFA advisor at Kingsburg High School.

    “I am immensely proud to be the first female State Supervisor of Agriculture Education and State FFA Advisor in California,” Sperling shared. “I have deep roots in agriculture education and grew up seeing the meaningful impacts that agriculture teachers make on the lives of their students through the three-circle model of agriculture education. I have been honored to serve the teachers and FFA members of the Central Region for the past ten years and am looking forward to working with my colleagues to provide leadership to the 108,000+ FFA members and over 1,100 agriculture teachers throughout our great state in the years to come.”

    As State FFA Advisor, Sperling will help lead the strategic vision of the California Association, FFA, supporting more than 108,000 members across 366 chapters. She will work in close partnership with California’s regional advisors to ensure local programs meet the diverse needs of students, while also collaborating with the California FFA Foundation, California Agricultural Teachers’ Association, and the California Department of Education to support the organization’s growing and evolving programs.

    Stepping into this distinguished role marks both a personal and professional achievement for Sperling. A native of Sacramento County and a proud American FFA Degree recipient, she follows in the footsteps of her father, Bob Heuvel, who served in this same position for nearly 30 years. Her husband, Dustin, is also a former FFA member, and their children, Auston and Avery, are former and current members of their local FFA program.

    About California Association, FFA: The California Association, FFA, serves more than 108,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Setton Farms Acquires 50 Owl Boxes From Tulare FFA

    Supporting the next generation of farmers in sustainable stewardship of the land is a priority for Setton Farms, the second largest pistachio processor in the United States. That is why they have partnered with the Future Farmers of America Tulare Chapter to support their agricultural programs while distributing 50 student-made owl boxes across their farming operations. Watch this brief interview with Mike Smith and Jared Castle meeting with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during the owl box exchange to learn more.

  • California FFA Leadership Conference Arrives in Sacramento

    Nearly 7,500 Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California will return to Sacramento to celebrate agricultural education and the agriculture industry during the 96th State FFA Leadership Conference on March 21-24 at the Golden 1 Center.

    The state capital will be filled with FFA members donned in the iconic blue corduroy jacket, each representing their home chapter. The conference is an opportunity for students to be exposed to a broad range of agricultural science, business, and technology career pathways while celebrating the accomplishments these leaders have achieved over the past school year.

    Over the course of four days, participants will attend sessions at the Golden 1 Center, where they will be inspired by their peers and talented speakers including California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross.

    The conference also includes an expo, to be held at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, where members will have the opportunity to explore various post-secondary career and college opportunities. When students are not attending sessions, they can participate in various agricultural tours near Sacramento or engage in leadership workshops.

    As the largest student-led organization in the nation, general conference sessions will provide middle and high school students enrolled in agricultural education classes the opportunity to conduct the business of the California Association FFA. They will vote on constitutional proposals and elect the new officers who will lead the association through the 2024-25 year.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 103,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • BASF Ag Solutions Doubles Donation Goal to FFA, Reaching $10,000

    BASF Agricultural Solutions has exceeded its initial goal of $5,000 and raised a total of $10,000 during Give FFA Day on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Give FFA Day funds support agricultural education for Future Farmers of America (FFA). Since 2022, BASF had donated more than $550,000.

    “Together, not only did we meet our goal, but we exceeded it,” said Neil Bentley, BASF Vice President, Market Management Agricultural Solutions NA and FFA Supporters Board Member. “We raised $7,155 and with our company match, expect to surpass $10,000 for FFA. This is a huge milestone and shows how passionate BASF employees are for the industry when so many are willing to support organizations committed to leading the next generation to careers in agriculture.”

    Give FFA Day is part of an annual week-long celebration, National FFA Week, which took place from February 18 – 25. The National FFA Board of Directors designated the weeklong tradition beginning in 1948, spanning the week of George Washington’s birthday, to recognize Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.

    A group of young farmers founded FFA in 1928, and the organization has been influencing generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more. For more than 90 years, the National FFA Organization has strived to make a difference in students’ lives. Donations help FFA grow the next generation of leaders.

    The 2023 national goal for Give FFA Day was $500,000. In total, the 24 hours of support far exceeded that goal, raising $721,506 on February 23 alone – that’s nearly $1 for each member of FFA.

    About BASF’s Agricultural Solutions Division       

    Farming is fundamental to provide enough healthy and affordable food for a rapidly growing population while reducing environmental impacts. Working with partners and agricultural experts and by integrating sustainability criteria into all business decisions, we help farmers to create a positive impact on sustainable agriculture. That’s why we invest in a strong R&D pipeline, connecting innovative thinking with practical action in the field. Our portfolio comprises seeds and specifically selected plant traits, chemical and biological crop protection, solutions for soil management, plant health, pest control and digital farming. With expert teams in the lab, field, office and in production, we strive to find the right balance for success – for farmers, agriculture and future generations. In 2022, our division generated sales of €10.3 billion. For more information, please visit www.agriculture.basf.com or any of our social media channels.

    About National FFA Organization
    The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA 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. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

  • State FFA Leadership Conference Emphasis to Redefine

    Future Farmers of America (FFA) members and supporters from across the state of California “redefined their leadership” during the opening session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.

    The 2022-2023 State Officer team kicked off the conference with a video showcasing what “redefine” means to them. The team spoke about this year’s mission to redefine agriculture, agricultural education, and leadership. Following this, the team was introduced and conducted the traditional FFA opening ceremonies.

    Juan Bendaña, keynote speaker and leadership strategist, was one of the conference’s keynote speakers featured in this session. During his message, he urged FFA members to turn their self-doubt into self-confidence and take on a new challenge.

    “Perfection is the lowest standard you could ever have because it isn’t real. Do not strive for perfect; strive for better,” Bendaña said.

    The top 23 candidates up for selection for the 2023-2024 California FFA State Officer Team were introduced to the conference. Throughout the weekend, the candidates will take part in interviews before being selected for office during the final session on Sunday. View the 23 finalists here.

    Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor, gave remarks to the California members and educators on how to make the most out of their time at the conference.

    “Circle in on the dreams that you have. Share them with your friends, advisors, and the people who support you,” Parker said.

    He also encouraged members to interact with state officials, including State Superintendent of Public Schools, Tony Thurmond, and Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, who will be attending the conference this year.

    Special guest Dale Brisby also joined the California FFA delegation for the second consecutive year. As a well-known YouTube and social media comedian and past Texas FFA State Officer, Brisby discussed the value of agricultural education in his own life and how it set him up for success.

    The second session of the 95th State FFA Leadership Conference will be held at the Toyota Arena tomorrow morning at 8:30 a.m.

     

    About California FFA: The California Association, FFA is part of a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members in 8,995 local FFA chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

  • FFA Corner: Riverdale FFA

    Riverdale, Calif., (July 31, 2017) – The Riverdale High School FFA Chapter was chartered in 1930 and currently has 191 members with two advisors. The chapter’s goal is to provide intra-curricular opportunities for all students that want to participate and encourage a future in agriculture.

    During the summer, the officers planned the “Program of Activities” for the year.  In August, the Riverdale Chapter Officers attended the San Joaquin Regional Boot Camp in San Luis Obispo and grew together as a team. In September, the freshmen experienced the Greenhand Leadership Conference and got “fired up”!   Then it is was fair season with 48 students exhibiting their livestock at the Caruthers and Fresno fairs. The FFA Pumpkin Patch for primary students with pumpkins grown on the school farm was enjoyed by all at the end of October.  Public speaking contests rounded out the fall as well as chapter, sectional and regional FFA activities.

    The winter began with the Advanced Leadership Academy as well as the annual Chapter Fund-Raising Dinner that helps finance chapter activities along with game concessions. The World Ag Expo trip, PLANT Foundation Event, FFA Week Activities and Career Development Event practices also kept students busy. Throughout the year, students have also been attending the Farms Leadership Academy, which provided an insight into the various career fields available in agriculture.

    Career Development Events including Dairy Cattle Evaluation, Farm Power and Machinery, and Welding were attended in the spring. Participating at the Fresno County Farm Bureau’s Farm and Nutrition Day by assisting with the milking demonstrations is an experience the members always look forward to.  Agriculture Adventure Day is a huge event the Riverdale chapter has held annually in April for over 30 years. Ten educational stations are run by chapter members and over 600 primary students attended. Several students received their State FFA Degree at the Sectional awards ceremony with one student awarded sectional goat proficiency as well as being named the Sectional Star Farmer for the West Fresno/Madera section. Fourteen members attended the State FFA Leadership Conference and took away many ideas to incorporate in the local chapter.

    The year ended with students already entering livestock for the next Fresno Fair and the annual FFA Banquet.

    By Prestin Rollin, Riverdale FFA Reporter