True Blue Nebraska News Leadership. Tradition. True Blue
JUNE 2014
Preserving Traditions for Our Future As a member of the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board of Directors, there is nothing more refreshing to me than attending Nebraska’s State FFA Convention. It’s been 26 years since I stood at the podium as a Nebraska State FFA Officer. A lot has changed since then, but the traditions of the blue and gold stay the same.
recently released its final 2012 AgCensus results, which revealed that the average age of a principal farm operator is 58 years old. It’s important for us to understand that when the population reaches nine billion in 2050, today’s students will be feeding us.
We need to continue to foster the next generation of agriculture to meet the demands of this ever-expanding industry. There’s never been a more important time to support those students. That’s why I’ve made a commitment to Nebraska FFA and I ask you to do The ag industry as a whole has changed drastically. We’ve the same. Your gift of any size makes a difference in seen advances in technology, population growth and agricultural education. the need for increased food, great demand for qualified workers and increased regulations in production. At the 86th Nebraska FFA State Convention, I was rejuvenated in our FFA youth. These are clearly the future It’s evident that Nebraska’s FFA programs are adapting leaders in agriculture and I can’t help but think they’re on to these changes. But whenever I attend convention, I’m track to be successful. reminded that while agriculture is an evolving industry, the values and traditions of agricultural education are still Fill out and return the enclosed donation envelope or go relevant today. to www.neffafoundation.org/support_us to ignite future leaders in the ag industry today. I’m proud to see an even greater excitement for agriculture in our students. They still proudly wear the Thank you for your continued support of Nebraska FFA. blue corduroy jackets, stand proud in recognition for their accomplishments and hard work throughout the year Sincerely, and continue to grow as leaders through workshops and competitions. I am proud to say that FFA instilled in me leadership qualities and agricultural knowledge that benefits me daily. You and I need to make sure that we are taking care of this next generation of agriculturalists. The USDA
Judson Jesske President Nebraska FFA Foundation
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