By TIM THORNBERRY
Kentucky Correspondent

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A sea of blue jackets descended upon the Derby City June 5-7, as more than 2,000 students and advisors attended the 78th annual Kentucky FFA Convention.

For many, the conference is a precursor to the national convention, which is in Indianapolis in October.

Members from across the state participated in competitions ranging from chapter meetings to ag issues. The convention’s top awards, the Star Awards, were also presented in three categories, Star Farmer, Star in Agribusiness and Star in Placement.

There were also a number of activities and other awards ceremonies that included recognition of those receiving their state and American FFA Degrees, the highest honors bestowed upon members by the organization; the presentation of new officers and a send off for outgoing officers; not to mention a little bit of bluegrass and rock-and-roll music.

Sarah Prewitt, a senior at Whitley County High School, serves as Kentucky River Region secretary as well as chapter president at her school. She attended the conference along with her father, Stephen Prewitt, an ag teacher at McCreary Central High School. She said she has grown up on a farm and learned many lessons through her FFA Chapter.

“I became an FFA member my freshman year and have learned to be more outgoing and how to express my opinions,” she said. “FFA has taught me where farming gets you in life and to make smarter decisions in farming and in life.”

Prewitt has her own pumpkin business and helps out with the family’s tobacco crop and home garden.

“I’ve been more successful than I thought,” Prewitt said of her pumpkin business. “I’m successful because I put all I have into it. I was not going to fail, and I hope to continue with my success.”

Prewitt plans to study ag education or some form of education once she gets to college, but her long-term plans definitely include staying on the farm, she said.

State Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff’s FFA background extends back to his school days in Taylor County. He said the organization isn’t just for farm kids.

“About 20-30 percent of our members come from a real farming background; another 40 percent or so come from a rural background, but not necessarily on the farm and another 20 percent come from urban or suburban areas with no farming background at all - and that is a growing trend,” said Chaliff. “For some of these kids, without FFA, they wouldn’t have a place to belong in their schools and having a place to belong is what will keep them in school.”

Chaliff also said he hopes the conference will leave the students motivated long after it’s completed.

“We want them to go home inspired to work toward their goals for next year and their future,” he said. “We also want them to find their place in the future of agriculture.”

Randy Adams, from Nelson County, has served the past year as state FFA president and bid his fellow members a fond farewell as he stepped down.

“Whenever you sign up for a position like this, you have to realize it’s only for a year. I’m excited and proud of my accomplishments but it’s a little sad but I’m still going to be a part of FFA and it is refreshing to see new officers come in and build on what we’ve done,” he said.

Adams began his career in FFA as a high school freshman and will continue it at the University of Kentucky next year as he majors in agricultural education. He said he wants to be an FFA advisor some day. Adams also said one of the most rewarding aspects of FFA has been to work with and mentor elementary age children to help educate them about agriculture.

Besides an array of plaques and trophies the students receive for winning various contests, they also receive cash prizes for their efforts, as well.

But it’s not the money that means so much, Adams told a group of FFA sponsors during a dinner at the conference.

“We’re here because of a sense of pride and accomplishment,” he said.

Other FFA news

Last week the USDA and the National FFA announced a joint agreement to “advance the implementation of the National Animal Identification System (NAIS)” during a signing ceremony at USDA’s headquarters in Washington D.C.

“The youth involved in the National FFA Organization are the future of agriculture in the United States. As this nation’s next farmers, it’s fitting that they are at the forefront of NAIS, and we are excited about their involvement in the program,” said Bruce Knight, undersecretary for USDA’s marketing and regulatory programs. “By ensuring the success of NAIS, we are ensuring their future as farmers.”

Last February, the USDA announced the availability of up to $6 million for cooperative agreements, subject to the availability of funding, to support nonprofit agricultural organizations’ efforts to promote NAIS, and specifically, increase participation in premises registration.

According to the statement, FFA will use the cooperative agreement funds to develop and provide NAIS educational programs for their current and alumni members, as well as promote premises registration across the country.

“The National FFA Organization stands ready to partner with USDA on this venture. Together we can combine our talents and resources to educate the agriculture industry about NAIS and to help promote premises registration,” said Dr. Larry D. Case, FFA chief executive officer and national FFA advisor.

This farm news was published in the June 13, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.