USA TODAY SPECIAL EDITION
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NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION uOriginally called the Future Farmers of America, the group began in 1928 in Kansas City as a way to keep boys from leaving the farm for other career opportunities. uMembers today come from all 50 states and two U.S. territories; more than 629,000 students belong to 7,575 chapters. uFamous alumni include actor Matthew Fox (Lost); singers Taylor Swift and Tim McGraw; and Olympic gold medalists Rulon Gardner and Stacy Dragila. uFFA adopted its iconic blue corduroy jacket as official wear in 1933 after the Fredericktown, Ohio, chapter rocked the look at the annual convention.
4-H
LOGOS: COURTESY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS; PHOTOS: COURTESY OF RANDY LAMBDIN
uFormed in 1902 in Ohio as a series of clubs to promote agriculture as a career, 4-H is now the primary youth mentoring organization for the USDA’s Cooperative Extension Service. uMore than 6 million students belong to the organization, which has about 25 million alumni. uThe four H’s are the values followed by members: Head (managing and thinking), Heart (relating and caring), Hands (giving and working) and Health (being and living). uFamous alumni include sports figures Johnny Bench and Pat Summitt; Garfield creator Jim Davis; and former first lady Rosalynn Carter. SOURCES: NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION; 4-H
Illinois farmer Randy Lambdin, seen at top harvesting his crops, credits FFA with his success in the fields.
and women interested in careers in agriculture with leadership and career development opportunities. Stephanie George, a senior at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., majoring in agriculture food systems and economic sciences, is a student ambassador for AFA. “I think a lot of passionate individuals come out of high school into college and miss much of the camaraderie and like-mindedness that we find in 4-H and FFA, yet still haven’t found a focus for their career,” said George. AFA is known for leadership conferences that pair students with industry leaders to discuss problems and challenges facing agriculture, as well as job opportunities and other issues. George, who was in 4-H throughout her youth in rural western
Washington, plans to attend law school at Montana State University and specialize in agriculture policy. Her motivation comes, in part, from what she has learned through AFA conferences. “Because so much of our society is so far removed from the food production process, our government leaders, those who make our laws, often do not have an accurate perception of what agriculture is about,” she said. “This is where I think I can make a difference.” George’s observations astutely validate goals established by 4-H and FFA, as well as the real-life experience of Illinois farmer Randy Lambdin. While a number of skills and talents are beneficial in this career choice, communication and leadership prowess are those that cross all industry lines for a successful career in agriculture. Editor’s note: Randy Lambdin is writer Diana Lambdin Meyer’s brother.