Othello FFA Expands Beyond Farming

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  Othello High School's FFA chapter is expanding its focus beyond traditional livestock shows“"It's more of a leadership and developing inner qualities amongst the kids, more than it is showing animals at the fair anymore," he said. "There are so many more competitions now that are student-led. When I was in FFA, a lot of it was showing animals, evaluating animals, produce judging, and now there's a whole other side of it where they're doing extemporaneous speaking, ag issues, job interviews, ag education."”
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  The FFA chapter is including leadership development in its focus“"It's more of a leadership and developing inner qualities amongst the kids, more than it is showing animals at the fair anymore," he said.”
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  The FFA chapter is including public speaking in its focus“"People think it’s just animals and farming, but there’s public speaking that you do," she said. "You prepare slideshows. You have competitions you go to. You talk with little kids and it helps you better understand speaking and how to communicate with people."”
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  The FFA chapter is including technical ag careers in its focusNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Teacher Chris Baginski stated that the shift reflects growing opportunities in agricultureNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Chris Baginski noted thousands of unfilled industry jobs“"You can work in the industry, and there are thousands of jobs in the industry that need to be filled," Baginski said.”
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  Students like Cayla Hampton and Greyson Sams described new experiences“Cayla Hampton said the program pushed her in directions she didn’t expect to go. “If anything, it's taught me to be more outgoing,” Hampton said. “It helped me with my public speaking skills. Making friends and just getting out there.” Greyson Sams said he’s had a chance to experience all kinds of activities, some he didn’t expect at all. “We got to do trap shooting last year. Super-fun, Greyson Sams said. "I went to state convention. That was really fun. We did a whole bunch of stuff there – I got thrown into beef judging. I didn’t know what I was doing, we just needed another person. I did tractor driving at the fair in Othello, but I didn’t do very good because I can’t drive yet. Only 15." The FFA program is also a good way to make connections, he said. "At the fair you’re doing ag stuff all the time. It’s a good way to meet people like that, and you meet people you might end up working for one of these days," he said.”
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  Cayla Hampton and Greyson Sams described extemporaneous speaking as a new experienceNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Cayla Hampton and Greyson Sams described job interviews as a new experienceNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Cayla Hampton and Greyson Sams described trap shooting as a new experienceNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  The program now emphasizes community building“"I think it helped me get a sense of community and teamwork," Stromberg said. "Everyone works together to get things done. It’s community building."”
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  The program now emphasizes skill development“"It's more of a leadership and developing inner qualities amongst the kids, more than it is showing animals at the fair anymore," he said. "There are so many more competitions now that are student-led. When I was in FFA, a lot of it was showing animals, evaluating animals, produce judging, and now there's a whole other side of it where they're doing extemporaneous speaking, ag issues, job interviews, ag education."”
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  Cayla Hampton stated that people think it’s just animals and farming“People think it’s just animals and farming, but there’s public speaking that you do, she said.”
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  Cayla Hampton mentioned public speaking that you do“"People think it’s just animals and farming, but there’s public speaking that you do," she said. "You prepare slideshows. You have competitions you go to. You talk with little kids and it helps you better understand speaking and how to communicate with people."”