History of the Redmond FFA Chapter

The Redmond FFA began at Redmond Union High School in the fall of 1929, as part of the Agriculture classes started as early as 1920. The newly chartered chapter was one of the first chapters in Oregon. During the Great Depression & World War II, young men were educated about the latest farming practices so that they could put them to use on the family farm while fathers and grandfathers were away. The first school shop classes were farm shops taught by the Redmond Union High School's first Agriculture Instructor, Mr. Borden Beck. Along with new tillage & crop practices from Oregon State Agriculture College; the boys were taught welding, basic machinery, mechanics, and repairs.  In 1929, the Redmond FFA was chartered by the National Future Farmers of America Association and was one of the few whose name is proudly found on the Oregon FFA State charter.   The late 40s saw Members of the local chapter seek leadership positions at the State level;  in 1947-48 Art Foss was elected the State Treasurer, 1949-50 Kenneth Viegas was elected State Secretary and 1950-51 Jack McCaffery served as the State Treasure. During the 50’s & 60’s the chapter participated in Livestock, Soil, Dairy, and Crop Judging around the State. In 1960-61, Stewart Holmes was elected State Treasurer, In 1963 the Livestock Judging team won State and competed at Nationals, beginning a long legacy of Redmond FFA livestock judgers. In 1969 girls entered the agricultural program. During the mid-70s, a local farm boy named Ted Williams was elected to a state office and the chapter saw a new advisor, Ted Tesconi. His leadership would revitalize the passion for Livestock Judging in the chapter. In the 1980s, the passion flourished and FFA members began to dominate in Livestock Judging, standing first or second in the state 8 out of 10 years. Leadership and public speaking really took hold in the next decade. Each of the next 10 years saw members talk, present, or lead their way to state recognition; or serve as an Oregon FFA State Officer. Jenny Hartzell ( 1992-93 State Secretary), Jennifer Lantz (1993-94 State Vice President), and Brett Jeter (1998-99 State Sentinel) were honored to lead the Oregon FFA Association as Officers. By the end of the 90s, the “Ag” program had moved into its current facility and Redmond FFA continued to show its strength in Livestock Judging; three judging teams finished in the top 5 at nationals. Members shined with their SAE programs, not only in the show ring, but at local, state, and national shows. They continued to raise the bar in all aspects of their projects. Earning multiple proficiencies and honors. This continued through 2000. The next 10 years saw success in the show ring and on the judging floor. In 2009, there was a change in Ag Teachers after the retirement of Mr. Tesconi.  Lance Hill was recruited to take the forward.  The chapter’s membership soared and participation grew to encompass Parliamentary Procedure, Public Speaking, Meats Evaluation, Floriculture, Poultry Judging, and now Vet Science.  The chapter continues to flourish, focusing on Career Development, SAEs, Community Service, and Leadership.  In 2017, the program had grown to the point that we needed a second teacher. Alyssa Davies was hired to grow the curriculum offering and offer Science Credit to Agriculture classes.  Her expertise brought Ag Marketing and Ag Issues Career Development Events to the program and students flourished on the state and national level. As more student earned their way to the national contest in Poultry, Vet Science, and Livestock Judging.  Membership is at an all-time high, more than 40 members participate at county fair and state fair.  More members continue to serve our community.  23 years after the last State officer from Redmond served, 2021-22 saw Kylie Baldwin elected to serve as the State Reporter. In the spring of 2022, Mrs. Davies stepped away from Ag Teaching and we hired Mrs. Kendyl (Puller) Smith to take over the management of the Greenhouse, inspire the Freshman in Introduction to Ag, and continue to develop a new Food Science  curriculum & Lab.  In 2024, Mr. Lance Hill retired at the  end of the school year to enjoy time with his family. He passed away on December 26, 2024 surrounded by the love of his family. Mr. Lance Hill’s legacy will continue to live through his family, the FFA and the halls of Redmond High School.  In the Summer of 2024,  we hired Mr. Andrew Weber to step in as the new ag teacher to run the shop, animal and plant related classes. At the present time, more than 300 students are FFA members and 100+ actively participate in events or activities at the local, State, and national levels. 

 This chapter has a long and deep history of success, student achievement, and community connection. 94 years of serving our members, our industry, and our community. In this time, The Redmond FFA members and families have created an impressive “FFA Family.” A long, proud Legacy service in raising good, productive kids.