FFA Students Harvest Knowledge

The Future Farmers of America, or FFA, is a nonprofit organization that aims to educate middle and high school students with classes that promote agricultural development. 

ORCA’s FFA club, which was founded in 2024, provides students with an opportunity to participate in events and activities that utilize agricultural-based classes’ curriculum and leadership skills. The organization got a big boost in membership during the 2024-2025 school year.

FFA is an opportunity for many students to learn to engage in activities related to agriculture– and while it may seem intimidating, the members don’t find it so. While there are some regulations, like what to wear during certain events, students have the ability to connect with people who have similar goals in mind, all in a friendly competition.

The organization encourages students that are interested in leadership or taking agricultural courses to sign up for the organization and compete in the competitions. Students from grades 7 to 12 who are taking certain classes are invited to sign up.

Katey Pedersen, a senior at ORCA and soon-to-be FFA alumna, is one out of many members that participates in the organization. Pedersen shares her experiences of being involved over the past years as she developed leadership skills during the competitions.

“I heard about FFA through my diseases and parasites teacher when I was a freshman (in 2023). My teacher told me I would be a good leader and recommended me to join as a secretary, but I instead joined to be the VP in 2024 (I was the VP for 2 years),” Pedersen said. “My first milestone was learning about how to be a leader and to learn about FFA because I never had heard of it.”

A typical competition in FFA involves taking a set of directions. A few specific examples that Pedersen highlights is a competition called the AG Sales and speaking skills. Pedersen highlights one of her teammates’ pursuit of excellence in FFA.

“In public speaking, one of our members got second place in district level. She then had the chance to continue to compete or to stop,” Pedersen said. “Either way she won a banner. She then continued and went to state level, and also won a banner.”

During some FFA competitions, members are also able to win pins called Degrees. The pins that can be won include the Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, State Degree, and American Degree, each with their own purpose.

Members of the FFA not only got a taste of professionalism and fun, but they were also met with lessons from other years of competitions. Pedersen’s involvement in FFA allowed her to remain professional during her competitions and learn sportsmanship. She speaks of other lessons that were developed over the course of her journey in FFA.

“FFA has taught me to have patience, to try hard even when you don’t know much, stay professional, control anxiety, achieve goals and become successful even when you're nervous, shy, anxious, and an introvert. I used to really struggle with socializing and pushing myself to try something new,” Pedersen said. “However, ever since I joined FFA, it taught me ways to conquer fears and how to be successful. It also has helped me gain confidence and knowledge of many different agriculture related topics.” 

Not only did Pedersen reflect on the lessons she has learned throughout the years, but she also saw the changes in her teammates’ attitudes when approached with problems.

“Some members have basic struggles like time management, procrastination, etc. However, one big problem I see that is also really good is that some members hate to see bad scores from competitions,” Pedersen said. “Even if it was their first try at it, they get disappointed. I hope they work on balancing disappointment and proudness. It's okay to fail, but as long as you learn something, you passed.” 

As Pedersen reflects on her high school career, her teammates are looking toward a new chapter in their lives with FFA competition in the rearview mirror but not out of sight.

Chloee Conley, another ORCA student that participated in FFA, highlights similar things she notices while also accounting for the opportunities that lie ahead of her. She highlights her plan to become a veterinarian technician, venturing off to college after graduating from ORCA.

"I have grown up looking up to the FFA members, so over the last 2 years being one myself has been a childhood dream come true. I have learned so much in FFA," Conley said. "It has helped me find who I am and I am very excited to keep it going through the FFA alumni. Even though I can't wear the blue jacket anymore, well after the fair, I'm very proud of things I've accomplished while wearing it and hope that new members can do the same. However, my biggest prize are the friends I have made."

Chloee Conley and Katey Pedersen are two out of many FFA members graduating this year. With time winding down, they both express their enthusiasm heading into next year. With plans to found a FFA alumni division, they hope to still be active in FFA.

“After graduating I will participate in our FFA alumni [group]. In this category, I will be providing funds, recommendations for field trips, helping prepare for competitions, and providing feedback,” Pedersen said. That way, students will “have many people to help them succeed in competitions, to be able to have many field trips, and fun activities.” Being able to start this alumni group and be a moral support for future members “will keep me happy.”

With goals set for the future and plans for next year’s FFA, Pedersen and Conley, among other graduating members, leave on a bittersweet note as they seek to provide guidance to future members in a growing organization.

“I really love FFA and I'm so sad that I won't be fully part of it.” However, as a graduate who will still stay involved, “I am so happy to make sure future and ongoing students have the resources to excel,” Pedersen concludes with the FFA motto: “Learning To Do, Doing To Learn, Earning To Live, Living To Serve.”