A community of students wearing a striking blue corduroy jacket with a yellow emblem in the back fight for a better environment of agriculture and for the future generations. Poway’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization offers an opportunity to expand students’ experience in leadership and explore careers in science, agriculture, and business. The annual FFA State Leadership Conference rotating from Sacramento to Anaheim gathers members of the program to participate in state-level competitions. 

Over 7,000 students and advisors were present at the FFA State Conference this year.

“One advantage of going to these conferences is that many representatives from different colleges and universities come to these events to help students choose where to go after high school. There were two gentlemen who wanted to go to a trade school, but two universities convinced them so much that they decided to attend those schools instead,” FFA Advisor Shelby Bueno said. 

The FFA State Leadership Conference was located in Sacramento this year, where over 342 leaders from each chapter practiced communication skills through public speaking and job interviews and explored agriculture careers through career expos and tours.

 Being a part of FFA allows many to communicate with others by going to chapter meetings, livestock auctions, and other amazing opportunities. 

“I recently was able to lay hens as my first livestock animal for a fair FFA is hosting as well as some for my own keeping,” junior FFA member Genevieve Grismer said. 

Using the Ag Lab made near the senior lot, many students in Agricultural Chemistry, Veterinary Science, Floral Design, and 5.5 classes were clearing up the area for two days in preparation for livestock arriving on April 20. 

“We had an eighth-grade recruitment event on Wednesday, April 20 in the morning, where eighth-graders came to Poway High and did some activities in rotations to learn more about FFA. We had different labs like a microscope lab that will simulate our Ag-Bio Class, a chick lab for Vet Sci, and a lab creating a mini greenhouse to teach about planting for our Ag Chem and Agriscience,” junior FFA member Katie Connell said. 

FFA volunteers will showcase livestock and explain the program during the Eye on Art Show on May 5. There will also be many events like fairs in Lakeside and San Bernardino in May.