Forest Service Green in a Sea of FFA Blue
Russ Christensen and Les Wadzinski staff a table at the FFA convention. Smokey Bear prowls in the background.
The Hoosier, Mark Twain, Shawnee, and Wayne National Forests participate in the 81st FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis.
Members of the Hoosier, Mark Twain, Shawnee, and Wayne National Forests recently participated in the 81st FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis. "Being an Employer of Choice" and "Working for the Great Outdoors" was the theme of the Forest Service static display which included Smokey Bear, a fire engine, law enforcement, and all aspects of the U.S. Forest Service.
To engage the students, prizes were offered for a quiz to identify various items representing natural resources including: a nutting stone, badger pelt, Ohio buckeye, fossilized jaw bone of a peccary, rabbit skull, digger pine cone, and how to use a clinometer and fire shelter. The students were very inquisitive and knowledgeable and showed great interest in the role of the Forest Service.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members-all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture-as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The 54,731 student attendees were exposed to more than 400 different displays from several agricultural related companies, more than 80 universities, the U.S. Armed Forces, and the U.S. Forest Service. This interaction between the Forest Service and these future leaders was truly a unique experience and will serve the Agency well in the years to come. A more rounded, educated, and diverse group of students associated with agriculture would be impossible to find.