The official name of the organization is the National FFA Organization.

The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are a part of the nation’s history and heritage that will never change.

But FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers; FFA also welcomes members who aspire be teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners, and more.

Today, the National FFA organization remains committed to students by providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

Many of the FFA members will join other FFA clubs at conventions and speak and learn about agriculture, and once a year every FFA club joins for one national FFA conference for multiple days.

The main subject in FFA class is agriculture education which covers many different topics such as leadership development, experimental learning, and different types of farming activities.

Despite Pennsylvania’s strong agricultural traditions, Beaver Area School District does not offer an FFA program, and the closest school in the county that does is Blackhawk. Blackhawk has had an FFA program for 50 years established in 1973. Their sponsor for the program is Mrs. Wilcox.

Although Beaver Area doesn’t offer the program, perhaps it’s time they consider establishing one—the Bobcats would just have to find themselves a sponsor.

A casual survey of Beaver Area students reveals interest in such a program.

“I would take FFA to help further my understanding of agriculture and its impact on the economy,” said sophomore Sean Justice.

“Yes, I would [be interested in FFA] because it would benefit anyone wanting to go into farming or agriculture or even learn about it to better understand it,” said freshman Rhiannon Rabassi.

“I would take the class because I like learning about things I actually enjoy—and I like tractors!” exclaimed freshman Colton Robinson.

We often hear that people today don’t understand farming’s role and importance in our lives—but as the saying goes: no farms, no food. Future Farmers of America is a way to raise much needed awareness; maybe it’s time for Beaver Area to be a part of that future!