T E X A S F FA F O U N DAT I O N
AGRICULTURE,
LEADERSHIP, AND SUCCESS BY: A A RO N A L E JA N D RO T E X A S F FA F O U N DAT I O N E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
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here is something special about being in the great outdoors. Open skies, trees, brush, ponds, lakes, fields of grain, hay, livestock, natural habitat, and wildlife. There is something different about the calm, insights, and experiences that come from nature. On the other hand, look around a city, what do we see? Buildings, bridges, streets, noises, and an atmosphere of hurry. We can learn much from both environments, but agriculture is where we learn the most about life, leadership, and success.
“THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE CLASSROOM IN ONE GENERATION WILL BE THE PHILOSOPHY OF GOVERNMENT IN THE NEXT.” – ABRAHAM LINCOLN VISION
What do you see? Do you see an opportunity? Is it an open field with the potential for harvest? Is it a prospect for livestock production or wildlife management? Do you see an opportunity for personal growth or career success? Vision is an important component of effective leadership. A vision is defined as a clear, distinctive, and specific view of the future and is usually connected with strategic objectives. Effective leaders define vision and communicate it to foster enthusiasm and commitment throughout the organization. The ability to express a vision and inspire others differentiates a leader.
“IF AGRICULTURE HAS TAUGHT ME ANYTHING, IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE IS… GROW IT.” – AARON ALEJANDRO Let’s look at the parallels between life, leadership, and success and how we can take lessons from agriculture. We can see the examples through a few essential filters: Vision, Seeds, Genetics, Work Ethic and Harvest. Success in life is a pathway similar to the cultivation of food. Our country is blessed with three vital and renewable resources: youth, agriculture, and leadership. The FFA combines all three to form well-rounded leaders today who become dynamic influencers tomorrow. When we think about the homes, communities, state, and country we want, what are we planting, caring for, and nurturing? Let’s grow the future we want.
SEEDS
Isn’t it amazing…what we plant is what grows. Where we plant those seeds is important too. We need to plant where we have the resources, access, and teamwork to accomplish the growth and harvest of our efforts. We have to clear the land, plant the seeds, weed when necessary, overcome challenges/adversities (weather, pest, disease, market forces, 32