By SUSAN BLOWER
Indiana Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The future of agriculture, like the stock market, may be hard to predict, but FFA and its sponsors believe an investment in future leaders is strategic and worthwhile.
John Deere has been the longest-running sponsor of national FFA programs with 67 years of support, said Robert K. Cooper, executive director of National FFA Foundation.

“The FFA creed begins with the phrase, ‘I believe in the future of agriculture,’ and this is truly a belief that our two organizations share as we work together to prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Cooper said.

Deere’s long involvement reflects a shared heritage and common goals with FFA, said Douglas Devries, senior vice president of global marketing for Deere. He serves on the FFA Foundation corporate sponsorship funding board.

FFA adds “real value” to agriculture through its classroom work and experiential learning, Devries said.

“Developing young people and providing capable leadership for the future through FFA activities are frankly essential for everyone. We believe FFA delivers that very well ... And the lessons learned in FFA are well aligned with what we believe to be essential qualities for future employees – not just for Deere but for industry in general,” Devries said.

John Deere and about 900 other corporate sponsors give financially, from several-hundred dollars to $1 million, and get personally involved with the programs they support, Cooper said.
“This support has truly made a positive difference in the lives of our members ... From working with the farm business management career development event to serving on the National FFA Foundation sponsors’ board, (John Deere’s) involvement has been a great asset to our programs,” Cooper said.

FFA programs focus on leadership, personal growth, and career success. Sponsors typically pick the programs which best reflect their industry.

“Many sponsors also attend the National FFA Convention to serve as judges in our national competitions, exhibit in the national agricultural career show, and participate in other activities taking place at this premier national event,” Cooper said.

John Deere brings not only tangible support to FFA but the strength of its brand name.

“John Deere is an iconic brand that is recognized around the globe in multiple industries ranging from agriculture and turf to forestry and construction to credit. We are both honored and humbled by their support of National FFA Foundation,” Cooper said.

Deere believes its values are similar to those of FFA.

“Deere supports many organizations and programs that educate and motivate young people to be the best they can be. FFA does a great job of that ... Ag teachers are some of the most dedicated teachers in our school systems – spending many after hours mentoring their students,” said Cheryl Salley, Deere’s manager of community relations and liaison to FFA.

“As a 173-year-old company with strong ties to the land, we believe our values of quality, integrity, innovation, and commitment continue to ring true with customers worldwide. And we work hard at ensuring we continue to deliver on those commitments every day. Another reason FFA is a good fit with John Deere,” Devries said.
FFA can also help their sponsors by exposing them to the next generation of consumers and workers, Cooper said.

In recent years FFA has expanded their programs and interests to include all aspects of the ag industry.

“Farming is a part of our heritage, and more than a quarter of our membership remains involved in production agriculture. Although there are more than 300 careers in agriculture, it all begins on the farm and that will always be an important part of our organization,” Cooper said.

Sponsors represent the full breadth of the industry and have been supportive of these efforts, he said.

“Because sponsors support specific programs, they have the ability to focus on those that are of most interest of their respective business,” Cooper said.

The national sponsors represent all facets of the food and agricultural industries, including farming, as well as a few outside of agriculture.

John Deere supports the expansion of FFA into urban areas and the increased involvement of women and minorities, Devries said. This expansion is “impressive in its impact.”