Taranis

After our recent collaboration announcement with Syngenta, Farm Journal caught up with Meade McDonald, Digital Ag Solutions Marketing Manager, to discuss how we will change the game for retailers throughout the country. 🎙️Get The Scoop here: https://hubs.li/Q02VZL0S0

The @National FFA Convention is drawing to a close, as is the service of the National FFA Officer team. Southern Region Vice President, Carter Howell leaves us with this encouragement: Just go for it! We all know a middle or high school student who could benefit from an organization that offers near limitless opportunity! How will you seize it? “My advice to young students considering joining FFA would be just go for it! One of the things that has always resonated with me is that you never want to look back and say what could have been if I would have done things different. I often think about how different my experiences in middle and high school and more broadly in my life today would be completely different if I wouldn’t have joined FFA. I sure am glad that I did! No matter what background you come from FFA can help enhance your soft skills, develop confidence and allow you to explore career areas in many fields.”

Often, stepping outside of your comfort zone delivers the greatest personal and professional growth. National FFA Eastern Region Vice President, Morgan Anderson encourages give something new a try! “Step out of your comfort zone! In life, we don’t know if we like or dislike something unless we try it, and that applies to FFA as well. Take part in a competition you've never heard of before. Run for a chapter office even if you’ve never interviewed. Do the things that make you nervous until they no longer do. You never know unless you try!”

Connection and engagement…it’s what FFA is all about! National FFA President, Amara Jackson encourages students to forge friendships and become involved. “If you're considering joining FFA, my advice is to attend at least three events. During these, be fully present, make an effort to form friendships, and connect with your FFA advisor/agriculture teacher. By the end, I’m confident you’ll feel part of something bigger and recognized for who you truly are. That’s why FFA is important for everyone—it offers both community and personal growth throughout your journey.”

National Central Region Vice President, Kanyon Huntington talks teamwork, leveraging one another’s strengths and overcoming challenges to accomplish a common goal. It’s one of his fondest memories of his time in FFA. “One of my most memorable experiences was during my freshman year of high school. I was a brand new FFA member, and on my first day of agriculture class, my advisor told me I was going to be competing in Soils and Land Evaluation Career Development Event. In the beginning, I didn’t know anything about soil judging, but with Mr. Cooley’s support, I was able to learn and slowly overcome the challenges I was facing within the event. I was also able to discover what it was like to work on a team to leverage our strengths and support one another. That year, my teammates and I were state champions, and we were able to travel to Oklahoma City to compete in the national competition. This event helped me gain confidence in myself that allowed me to thrive within FFA and view all the opportunities this organization had to offer.” What’s your favorite FFA memory? Drop it in the comments below.

National Western Region Vice President, Emily Gossett, has a word of advice for middle and high school students: Be present! Read what she has to share about her introduction to the organization that would change her life below. “I remember the first time I walked into my seventh-grade ag class- I was nervous and shy and completely out of my element. I wanted to leave because I was uncomfortable, but because someone took a chance on me, I took a chance on this organization. I put on the blue jacket and became a part of something that was far larger than I could comprehend- I finally belonged somewhere and was able to show up as me. Now, walking out of this organization I am completely changed. I am confident in my abilities, knowledgeable about agriculture, and have a vision for the world around me and how I can impact it. My seventh-grade self would have never guessed where this organization has led me, so my advice is to be present. Take each moment as one for growth knowing that we will never know everything, but that this organization is built upon different ideals. Agriculture is constantly evolving, and we need people to bring their perspectives to continue the growth. Say yes to competing, take a chance, make a friend- be present and you will thrive anywhere- especially FFA.”

Missouri native and National FFA Secretary Grant Norfleet shares how FFA has helped him develop “unmatched” skills! “The skills acquired while serving as a national officer are unmatched. There is no doubt this year is fast paced, being flexible is of the utmost importance. One moment you are visiting with middle school FFA members and the next you are in the CEO’s office of a fortune 500 company. By being flexible, I have truly been able to share the story of agriculture and FFA.”

“Even during tougher times, investing in technology can be beneficial if it improves efficiency or reduces costs... if you think you can use it to improve the efficiencies of the farm... those are things I would be turning to in times of lower margin.” –Brady Brewer, Associate Professor, Kansas State University Department of Ag Economics Dr. Brady Brewer joins this week’s AcreForward podcast to share his insights on the current state of the ag economy, where we’re headed and proven opportunities farmers have to stay ahead of the red ink. It’s all in this episode that you won’t want to miss! Check it out here: https://hubs.li/Q02TZbJT0

🚜 Ready for the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo? 🎉 We caught up with the 2024 National Officer team as their journey wraps up. Stay tuned for their insights next week! Shoutout your chapter & tag your inspiring advisor in the comments! 🌟 #FFA2024 #AgricultureFuture

🌎 As an industry, we face the challenge of producing more with fewer resources. The solution is technology. By using resources more efficiently to boost yields and profitability, we all win. On #WorldFoodDay, explore our ESG report to see how we're driving the "more with less" equation through technology, regenerative agriculture, and partnerships: https://hubs.li/Q02T3X6C0