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Growing The Next Generation On The Land: The Importance Of FFA

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photo by Photo Provided MaKayla Davis at the Big E during her State President internship with state presidents from other states.

Tuesday February 18, 2014

By Cookie Steponaitis

State Future Farmers of America (FFA) president and MUHS senior MaKayla Davis has been involved in agriculture her entire life and grew up showing beef cattle at Field Days with her friends. She credits the teachers, advisers and the programs of the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center (PAHCC) in Middlebury and the FFA for turning that passion into a direction and future. “I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of my amazing advisers and teachers at PAHCC,” remarked MaKayka. “I have learned so much more about agriculture and how to tend and care for animals, from proper feeding to animal behavior and movement and much more.”
MaKayla has been involved with FFA since her freshman year at Middlebury and began exploring leadership roles during her sophomore year when she was elected the FFA Chapter Reporter. And in addition to classes and gatherings Davis credits the competition events for becoming some of her strongest memories. During her junior year MaKayla travelled outside her comfort zone and accepted the challenge of running for state office with the help and encouragement of her chapter adviser. The election was transformational for MaKayla who gained confidence with public speaking, being involved with agriculture at a state level and becoming a part of the network it created for her around the state and nation.  “There are a lot of responsibilities being a state president,” explains Davis. “One of my favorite things is going to meetings and getting to meet lots of people that share the love for agriculture with me. It is very hard to have officer meetings when our officers live all over the state. We have had lots of leadership meetings and events.” MaKayla, in addition going to camps and trainings in New York, has been to the State President’s Conference in Washington, D.C. and met her counterparts from across the nation. The National Conventions, Vermont Farm Shows and each new event provides a venue for  her to see new career options and how farmers across the nation interface in planning and sharing of ideas.
While the nation may be worried about the future of farming in America Davis is not. While she acknowledges that agriculture is changing Davis has a great deal of optimism and faith in what she and her teen counterparts are learning and planning. “I feel that Vermont agriculture is changing and increasing the amount of foods we make,” commented the FFA State President. “Our technology today is amazing and to think that we farmers are feeding our world is an amazing thought. Though not every teen many think about it this way I know that all of the kids in my ag class are very dedicated to agriculture and what they do, and that they know they are the future of agriculture.”
MaKalya plans on attending college and majoring in Nutrition and Dairy Cattle Breeding, coming home to Vermont where she belongs and being a part of the new diverse agricultural offerings of the Green Mountain State. Until then she rests easily in knowing that some facets of life in the farm community do not change. “I feel it is very good that every farmer knows every other farmer,” concluded Davis. “This is very helpful when your equipment breaks down and you need to borrow something or if you need help on the farm you can ask the other farmers and I am sure that they will know someone that is willing to help you out.”
Future Farmers of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the world with currently more than 500,000 members worldwide. FFA is a life changing experience for teens like MaKayla Davis, bridging skills, technology and adding community to a passion for life on the farm. “I was a shy kid and didn’t talk outside my circle of friends,” commented MaKayla. “FFA changed and for so many of us is the path to a career and a way to keep our passion for the land alive for each new generation.”

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