By Haley Mitchell Godwin
National Future Farmers of America Week took place Feb. 18-25. During the annual event, FFA members shared their passion for agriculture with others, celebrated their achievements, promoted their organization, and educated the public about the importance of agriculture. National FFA Week runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, the birthday of one of America’s first farmers, George Washington. In 1948 the National FFA Board of Directors designated the celebratory week in recognition of Washington’s legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.
The Luverne FFA greenhouse
Brantley School K-4 students connected with farm life during Brantley’s annual farm day, held each year during National FFA Week. Other animals present included a baby pig, goats, quails, rabbits, dogs, horses, and more.
Future Farmers of America grows leaders and cultivates knowledge. Members of the Luverne High School FFA chapter give guided tours of the FFA greenhouse to elementary students.
Margaret Fox, who lives 6 months on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Galax, Virginia and in Crenshaw County for the other 6 months of the year, is a member of the North Carolina Basket Makers Association and Surry County Guild in Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Margaret Fox demonstrates basket making and barn quilts at Luverne’s Ag Day.
Matthew Pippin, Luverne High School FFA advisor whose son Wyatt is the official beekeeper on their farm, discusses the importance of bees in growing food and harvesting honey. Assisting Pippin was Aiden Warr, Freshman FFA member.
Matthew Pippin, Luverne High School FFA advisor, sharing the importance of bees with Luverne elementary students.
Kendall Nichols, sophomore at Brantley High School, and Eli Nichols, BHS senior, spread the spirit of National Future Farmers of America week by showering customers of 4 Byrds Hardware in Brantley with treats and informational handouts.
Nolleigh Reaves and Charlie McVay, Future Farmers of America members and seniors at Highland Home School, celebrate National FFA Week with gratitude and generosity as they hand out tokens of appreciation and literature to Luverne Co-op customers.
Nolleigh Reaves and Charlie McVay visit Highland Home Hardware during National Future Farmers of America week.
Mark Andrews, FFA advisor at Brantley High School and Stoney Odom, FFA member and Brantley High School senior.
A Brantley School student enjoys petting a friendly miniature horse on Farm Day.
Founded in 1928, Future Farmers of America’s mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. FFA officers, led by president Jay Ryals, sow the seeds of knowledge about agriculture’s crucial role in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Kamryn Ramer, FFA reporter and sophomore at Brantley High School (left), Stoney Odom, FFA member and Brantley High School senior (right).