By Blake Jackson
Over 300 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across Wisconsin gathered in Rothschild on February 13th for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s (WFBF) annual FFA Farm Forum.
The event focused on providing valuable experiences and developing essential leadership skills for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
"FFA Farm Forum provides the next generation of agricultural leaders with valuable experiences and essential leadership skills," said WFBF President Brad Olson. "We appreciate FFA members taking part, as they are not only investing in their own growth but also in the future of agriculture."
Lashawna Vogel, a UW-River Falls Collegiate Farm Bureau member, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing how organizations like FFA and Farm Bureau help individuals find their place in agriculture, regardless of their background.
“When organizations like FFA and Farm Bureau work together, it forms a stronger agricultural community because we are all working together toward the goal of bettering Wisconsin agriculture,” Vogel said. “Attending conferences and workshops hosted by FFA and Farm Bureau help us explore opportunities in agriculture.”
The one-day event featured a variety of career-focused workshops. Attendees participated in sessions such as ‘Broadcast Bootcamp’ with Stephanie Hoff, ‘The Sky is the Limit: Exploring the New Technology of Ag Drones’ with Grant Buwalda, ‘Rooted in Safely: Growing Young Farmers with Smart Practices’ with Melissa Ploeckelman,
‘Staying Connected to Agriculture as a Meat Scientist’ with Jeff Sindelar, ‘Pathways to Your Future in Natural Resources’ with Betsy Doolittle and Josh Odekirk, and ‘Growing Your Network and Community’ with Haley Hartung Kaufman.
"FFA Farm Forum is a valuable collaboration between Wisconsin Farm Bureau and Wisconsin FFA, fostering leadership development and career exploration in agriculture," said WFBF Director of Young Leader Programs Melissa Jacobson. "We’re proud to support and inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders."
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation, established in 1988, sponsors the FFA Farm Forum in cooperation with the Wisconsin Association of FFA. The Foundation aims to support agricultural education and leadership programs through donations and contributions, investing in the future of agriculture.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-farm-bureau
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Education