New Holstein FFA
Feb 22, 2019
It’s National FFA Week. Join in the celebration of FFA, agricultural education and the future of agriculture. The theme for this year is “Just One”. Just One moment. Just One decision. Just One conversation. Do Just One thing to make a difference. Imagine the collective strength our individual “Just Ones” can have.
During National FFA Week, this is our #FFAJustOne. We plan to celebrate and gather awareness for other ag related organizations with more “Farmer Friday” stories in the future.
The New Holstein FFA was chartered in 1942. Their group of about 50 students are a part of more than 650,000 members throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands that are involved in the FFA organization. A few of the members from the New Holstein FFA Chapterjoined their advisor, Mr. Heinbuch, to share some details about their Chapter.
New Holstein is an Ag based community. Agriculture is part of the daily lives for these students at home, as well as at school. That isn’t the case for everyone. The students are concerned that if people do not learn about it in school, they could be more easily influenced by non-factual resources. Everyone is affected by agriculture from the food they eat to the clothes they wear. It is important to know and understand the truth about where it comes from. Mr. Heinbuch stated that the curriculum for this year in the New Holstein School District included classes in Large Animal, Horticulture, Dairy Science, Small Animal, Farm-to-Fork, Food Science, Wildlife & Natural Resources, Vet Science, and a 7th grade exploratory class.
FFA has a lot to do with leadership according to these members. “It will help when we get into the workforce and community,” they stated. “It makes us better leaders.” They do a lot of mini service projects to help their community including helping out with the food pantry. This past week, they made tie blankets for Ronald McDonald House. After filling a ‘wish list’ of needs, including toiletries and snacks, the group plans to bring those items to the House at the end of March.
The past year has involved many activities: National Convention, State Convention, Sectional Leadership Workshop and Speaking Contest, Senior Citizen Prom, March 212 Conference, and a Beginner Leadership Workshop for Freshman and Sophomores. A proud moment for the group was having two of their members, Lily and Dylen, make it to Sectionals for the Speaking Contests.
The group gets involved with the efforts of the FFA Alumni to raise money for scholarships and programs. The biggest project is helping with the Alumni’s upcoming Annual Farm Toy & Craft Show. A Brat Fry during sturgeon spearing at the Calumet Firehouse in Pipe, a Plant Sale in spring around Mother’s Day weekend, a Fruit Sale, and the Culvers FFA-Farmers program are all ways that the students work to raise funds. They are thankful for the participation and support from their community at these fundraisers. The projects, activities and events that help to develop valuable skills in these students would not be possible without that funding.
Why should you be involved in FFA? “It’s FUN,” according to the group. “We still have our own friend groups, but we can all come together and bond over AGRICULTURE!” Some of the favorite things the students mentioned about being a member of FFA were meeting new people at the conferences and running events like their brat fry because it brings them all closer.
Thank you to New Holstein FFA for participating in this week’s Farmer Friday post! We appreciate the opportunity to support the future of agriculture during #FFAweek with a story featuring your group.
#FarmerFriday ...post #109.