From FFA to Future Leaders : Empowering Youth to Make a Difference in Agriculture and Beyond

Building skills, confidence, and community: The transformative tower of FFA and agricultural education programs for developing the next generation of leaders

BY CARLY WEAVER Interim Executive Director Idaho FFA Foundation

The Idaho Cattle Foundation makes recommendations for the award of funds from the Unclaimed Livestock Fund annually. The Unclaimed Livestock Fund consists of money generated from the sale of lost or stolen cattle and is used for public or higher education programs (or research) that advances the livestock industry – or agriculture in general. This article highlights a 2022 award recipient, the Idaho FFA Foundation.

Throughout Idaho, FFA members in all aspects of agriculture carry out the goals of the Idaho Cattle Association: Promote, Preserve, Protect. Since the chartering of Idaho FFA in September 1929, FFA has been a large part of many Idahoans’ educational experiences. The Idaho FFA Foundation was founded in 1980 to provide resources and financial support to the endeavors of Idaho FFA members. Investments and resources garnered through the Foundation help develop potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Today, the Idaho FFA Foundation supports 6,000+ FFA members and 100 chapters across the Gem State. The Foundation’s goal is to cultivate leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture in Idaho for long term and statewide effect.

The Idaho FFA Foundation will bolster four primary areas with the awarded Unclaimed Livestock Funds: EMERGE Grants, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Project Grants, Career Development Event support, and Beef Proficiency Awards.

Emerge Grant Sponsor

Each year, the Idaho FFA Foundation issues grants to FFA chapter advisors. For 2022-2023, the focus is to advance animal science pathways, with a priority on the beef cattle industry. These grants provide FFA Advisors with additional resources, curriculum, and tools necessary for success in the classroom. The Idaho Cattle Foundation generously contributes $20,000 in funds awarded through the Unclaimed Livestock fund allocated toward this grant program. In the Spring of 2023, 20 chapters received an EMERGE Grant.

Sae Project Grants

Supervised Agriculture Education (SAE) projects are integral to the FFA program which give students a handson experiential learning project in specific focus areas providing them with valuable skills and experience necessary for success in that field. Grants will be given to students to help them with project costs such as feed, vaccinations, show supplies, equipment, or anything else that helps further the student success with their beef projects. Eleven students across the state received $500 grants.

Addysen Larson, Kimberly FFA: “I’ve always wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps of raising his own herd of cattle. Being an FFA member has given me resources and skills to help me start my own herd. With this grant, I’ll be able to purchase a heifer to show at my local fair.”

Alazne Espy, Moscow FFA: “I’d like to collect and invest in better equipment for my show steer for fair this year.”

Boden Salisbury, Moscow FFA: “To help place higher in quality classes at fair this year, I’m going to buy a higher quality of feed for my show steer.”

Connor Porath, Kimberly FFA: “With my grant, I’ll buy AI supplies for cattle. I hope to artificially inseminate and efficiently vaccinate my cattle without having to use other people’s supplies.”

Elias DeVries, Midvale FFA: “I’m going to purchase additional pen materials and supplies for my registered Red Angus herd as it grows.”

Karlie Smith, Notus FFA: “I plan to purchase a nice set of clippers. One of my SAE goals is to get better at fitting my steer. I want my steer to look very appealing to the judge at my local fair.”

Kylyn Jensen, Notus FFA: “This grant will help me pay for a better steer from better breeders and it could help me afford a more “clubby looking” calf, which could help me succeed against other competitors.”

Lydia Shaw, Parma FFA: “I spend an average of $500 on equipment that I use throughout the year. Things like fans, brushes, blowers, AI kits, etc. are used for both my show heifer and cow herd. I’m thankful to have this grant to help me purchase equipment and pay pasture rent this year.”

Maria Weymouth, Notus FFA: “I plan to use my SAE grant toward cattle feed costs this year. I’m also saving up for a new clipping chute, clippers, and a blower.”

Matthew Hazard, Middleton FFA: “This grant will help me get a jump start in growing my herd. I plan to purchase more heifers that I would end up breeding. I could also use the money to help with feed costs for my current herd.”

Mylee Porath, Kimberly FFA: “There are many ways this grant will benefit the expansion of my SAE, such as buying a show box that will help me organize all my supplies and keep them in good shape to use for many years.”

CAREER DEVELOPMENT EVENT (CDE) SPONSOR

Meats Evaluation and Technology & Livestock Evaluation are 2 CDE competitions which receive support of $7,000 in funding for competing teams. This generous support covers costs for state and national competitions and signage for recognition at these events.

Participants in the Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE delve into the science of meat. During this team event, students evaluate beef carcasses for quality and