Over 25,000 Wisconsin FFA members from 254 chapters to celebrate National FFA Week

FFA members across the country are preparing to celebrate National FFA Week. FromFebruary 17-24, agriculture education students will highlight the past, present,and future of the nation’s largest student-led organization. FFA members across Wisconsin aredoing just that as they prepare to host and attend events such as donkey basketball, FFA Dayon the Hill, farmer appreciation breakfasts, Ag Olympics, and everything in between.

Traditionally, National FFA Week is held over George Washington’s birthday, February22, as a reminder of his legacy as an agriculturalist and patriot. The National FFA Board ofDirectors officially recognized National FFA Week for the first time in 1948. Ever since, FFAmembers everywhere have joined in this annual celebration of the lasting impact FFA has onmember’s potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

Each day of National FFA Week highlights themes or individuals critical to the success ofAmerican agriculture. Saturday, Feb. 17 marks the start of National FFA Week and thechance to consider the positive influence of FFA in students’ lives. Many chapters will becarrying this love for agriculture by hosting Donkey Basketball games in honor of National FFAWeek. Students from high schools like Bay Port in Green Bay will also be hosting their AnnualAg Olympic Games throughout the school week to inspire student involvement in the industrythrough agricultural-themed competitions.

Sunday celebrates the Supervised Agricultural Experiences that students pursue todevelop hands-on experience in an agriculturally related project, business, or hobby. Manychapters, like the Cameron FFA in northern Wisconsin, will host Food for America events allweek to share the positive messages of agriculture with youth in their area and provide themwith similar immersive activities to participate in.

Monday recognizes the efforts of FFA members who serve their communities on theNational Days of Service. Students from the Ellsworth FFA are taking this message to heart asthey prepare to host a luncheon focused on mental health in agriculture alongside the FarmerAngel Network of Western Wisconsin later in the week. Members from Tomahand River Valley will also be serving their communities fresh pancakes throughout the week toincrease community involvement in their chapters. This will be River Valley FFA’s 22ndAnnual Pancake Breakfast and they are looking forward to raising money to compete inLeadership and Career Development Events around the state.

Also hosted on Sunday and Monday is FFA Day on the Hill, an event in which over200 FFA members from 42 different chapters will convene in Madison toadvocate for agricultural education and FFA with our state’s local and state officials. Members willnetwork and receive advocacy training in which they’ll develop key messages to leave with theirlegislators before traveling to our State Capitol Building to meet with their representatives.

FFA members and advisors will also hear from Secretary of Agriculture, Trade and ConsumerProtection Randy Romanski, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jill Underly, andmany others during this event. Members will have the opportunity to visit with their StateRepresentatives and Senators while also hearing musical performances from the WisconsinFFA Honors Band and Chorus and sharing more about their Supervised AgriculturalExperiences, Agriscience Fair Projects, and other FFA experiences in the rotunda.

FFA Alumni Day on Tuesday honors the adults who support members in their agriculturalendeavors. To share this appreciation throughout the week, many chapters will be hostingfarmer appreciation events to thank the FFA Alumni & Supporters in their communities.

Wednesday is Ag Teacher Appreciation Day, which acknowledges the efforts ofagriculture educators who work every day to grow the next generation of leaders. FFA chapterslike Stratford and Gale-Ettick-Trempeleau will be hosting staff breakfasts during National FFAWeek for their entire school staff to thank all teachers for supporting their FFA endeavors.

Thursday is Give FFA Day, a daylong fundraising event for individuals and businesses toinvest in future generations of leaders. The Wisconsin FFA Foundation is excited to kick offThursday of FFA Week with a new state-wide fundraising campaign. This year, all ten sectionsof Wisconsin FFA will be challenged to raise $2,000.

To encourage donors to invest in Wisconsin’s future leaders, the State FFA Officer Team has pledged to allow a donor from their Section to dump a bucket of ice water on us and choose which outfit the State FFA Officer will wear to the State Convention Dance after $1,000 and $2,000 are raised respectively. Additionally, as State President, I am eager to challenge all Past FFA Presidents to join forces in donating what you can to help us match the generous $2,500 donation from Seneca Foods.

Also being launched on Give FFA Day is the Wisconsin FFA Foundation’s new monthly givingcampaign, “Rooted in Giving.” This new program will encourage regular donations and offerbenefits to subscribed donors. The funds raised by the Wisconsin FFA Foundation directlycontribute to scholarships, educational resources, and leadership programs that promote thesuccess of our members. To learn more about how to give, visit www.wisconsinaged.org/about-foundation.

Friday celebrates FFA with National Wear Blue Day, providing students a chance to weartheir corduroy jackets or other FFA gear with pride. To reward students for their hard work orsupport students without the financial means to purchase their own jacket, Wisconsin FFA isexcited to bring back the “Blue Jacket Legacy Fund.” Teachers, students, alumni, parents, andpeers are encouraged to nominate deserving members eager to own their own FFA jacket.Twenty students selected from across the state will be invited onto stage at the 95th WisconsinFFA Convention to be gifted a National Blue jacket with their name and chapter stitched ontothe iconic corduroy. To nominate a student, visit the www.wisconsinaged.org/.

Finally, the last day of FFA week on Saturday provides the chance to reflect on a weekspent recognizing the efforts of all who support the National FFA Organization.

No matter where agriculturalists are in the state, it's safe to say the excitement ispalpable! The beauty of the National FFA Organization is the opportunity it provides to studentsof all backgrounds to find success and belonging in our growing industry. Throughout all ofNational FFA Week, students and adults alike will be celebrating new and old traditions as wellas all the good that this organization has brought to our lives.

At nearly 1 million members strong, the National FFA Organization is sure to continue developing members' potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success every week of the year. Check out your local FFA chapters on social media or contact them to learn more about how to support and participate in all the National FFA Week fun happening near you.

Mary Schreiber is the president of the Wisconsin FFA State Officer Team