California Ag Network

Tag: National FFA Organization

  • National FFA Partners with World Dairy Expo

    The National FFA Organization has endorsed and will promote World Dairy Expo’s 2026 FFA Dairy Judging Contest to its national membership. This collaboration aims to expand opportunities for leadership, hands-on learning and connections within agricultural education.

    The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1 million student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    In 2025, more than 100 schools from across the United States participated in the FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo, underscoring the enthusiasm and commitment of FFA members nationwide.

    “Historically, this contest has drawn strong participation from Midwest chapters, along with dedicated teams traveling from as far as California, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Texas,” said Lexa Miller, Cattle Show and Contests Coordinator for World Dairy Expo. “This partnership will encourage even more chapters to make the trip to Madison and further strengthen an already outstanding competition and educational experience.”

    The 2026 FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Contest will take place on Tuesday, September 29, in Madison. FFA chapters across the country are encouraged to learn more by visiting the “Contests” section atworlddairyexpo.com. Registration opens July 13, 2026 and closes September 11, 2026.

    “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of agricultural leaders—individuals who will make a lasting impact on their communities and the world,” said Christine White, Chief Program Officer for the National FFA Organization. “World Dairy Expo offers an unmatched opportunity for young leaders to connect with the dairy industry at its highest level and be part of an event that defines excellence in dairy cattle evaluation. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we seek for our FFA members.”

    Additional FFA-endorsed activities can be found through the National FFA Organization website.

    Returning to Madison, Wisc. Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, the Wold Dairy Expo features the largest dairy-focused trade show, youth contests, seminars and networking opportunities with leaders shaping the future of dairy. Learn more at www.worlddairyexpo.com. — Story contributed by the World Dairy Expo

  • 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.

  • Nutrien Ag Solutions Strengthens Partnership with National FFA Organization

    INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, April 15, 2019/National FFA Organization) – Nutrien has just announced an increase in their sponsorship of the National FFA Organization. In the past, the company has worked with FFA to ensure the future of agricultural education by their generous support that provided student members with the opportunity to grow into the world’s future leaders.

    This year, Nutrien Ag Solutions will serve as a silver sponsor to the National FFA Organization. They will support areas such as the New Century Farmer program; Washington Leadership Conference, Ag Sales- Entrepreneurship Proficiency; support for the National FFA Expo, to name a few. In addition, they fund FFA Alumni and Supporters grants as well as the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

    “We appreciate that the goals and values of Nutrien align with FFA and that they see our members as a critical part of their industry and company success,” said Molly Ball, National FFA Foundation president.  “We are thankful for their increased support of our organization.”

    “I’m very excited to see where the Giver Backs to your Roots partnership is headed, and seeing what this year’s FFA grant recipients are doing to explore agriculture in their communities,” said Ian Loar, senior marketing manager of Nutrien. “We see FFA as a great organization to support the next generation of agricultural leaders.”

    At the local, state and national levels, FFA brings its mission to life for student members. Members gain experience in the areas of agricultural literacy and advocacy, agricultural knowledge, career exploration, leadership development, food security and service engagement.The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 669,989 student members who belong to one of 8,630 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

    About National FFA Organization

    The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 669,989 student members as part of 8,630 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 459,514 alumni members in 2,236 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. 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. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and official news page of the National FFA Organization.

    About National FFA Foundation

    The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.