FFA - Far From (Just) Agriculture

Rouxlin Sutton

October 7th, 2026

While FFA stands for future farmers of America, it stretches far beyond farming and agriculture. FFA has CDE’s that are Career developmental events. “CDE’s are a series of competitions that focus on skills helpful for potential future careers.” stated Ms. Elaine Rudolphi. Rudolphi is one of the head staff members who help with FFA. The variety of options are sky high and a lot of people aren’t aware of such. “These help students explore different options and learn skills beneficial for them in the future,” she said. Parliamentary Procedure is Rudolphi’s personal favorite. “I like to watch the students' kind of debate back and forth,” she stated. Parley Pro, for short, teaches students how to effectively participate in a business meeting. This goes beyond just the agriculture aspect. Then there is ag mechanics. This is where it can get really fun for people because it's auto. It’s farm machinery repair, so the great huge tractors and equipment they use. Standing next to one of those beasts makes a person feel miniscule. But if someone wants to be hands-on in the mechanical field this is the spot. This list goes on and on with ag education, ag sales, ag business, conduct of meetings, and so much more to look into.Agriculture is not only just the crops of food we eat but also the pretty flowers we see everyday. Horticulture is a dual enrollment class available to students and focuses on the beauty of agriculture. They learn the inside and out of certain flowers and participate in taking care of the lovely greenhouse. Including planting the mums the school sells every year. Next school year of 2027-2028 it will be an option, as this year is landscaping. Similar concept but unfortunately not dual credit with SWIC. Quizbowl is a chance to show off how well a student knows their agriculture. It’s just like the quizbowl altogether but more so agriculture related facts. “We also have an amazing community where family and volunteers can get involved and help out.” Stated Rudolphi. This is the alumni. Families in the FFA business lend machinery, set up areas for work, come in class to speak, and tons more. Every year there's an event where students go through stations and volunteers show the different agriculture jobs they have. Ava Gilbert is a junior at Waterloo Highschool and her father comes in to talk about the repair of utility poles you see on the side of the road driving. He covered the safety on what to do when one has fallen and the procedures used to repair them. The students themselves also have a good community as they travel in groups and most often work together for activities. During FFA meetings there are group activities that help bond them and create teamwork. “I feel we have a very close and niche community with helping each other out.” said Rudolphi.For those wanting to dip their toes in the water, Rudolphi says, “one at a time, if you don’t like it try again, start small.” For those who want to do more, Rudolphi stated to “study them all, make connections, go for different subjects.” she stated. “This can totally fill up your college resumes as well.” There are so many different options that are useful for college.“FFA is way more than just farming.” Rudolphi swears, and she's right. The goal is students will check out the FFA and maybe find a new thing they love and help them out. With dual enrollment classes, after school clubs and activities, the insane range of options, and the welcoming community can do a lot to improve the overall life for these teenagers; so take a little peak.

Meet the Author

Rouxlin Sutton

Rouxlin Sutton is a junior at Waterloo High School and is on her first year with journalism. Rouxlin has always been interested in writing and journalism, with the thought of making a career with it. She's interested in a variety of topics and is seeking to figure out what she thrives in. She brings another passionate point of view with a deep understanding with literature. She really enjoys pretty much every genre of music and takes care of her three younger sisters often. Sushi and ice cream will always be her go-to foods. She loves the show supernatural and watching movies with people in her free time Her boxer/lab Kalvin is also her favorite thing in the world and the absolute sweetest.

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