Each year, the National FFA Organization hosts National FFA Week in February, providing an opportunity for members and supporters to celebrate the organization’s role in developing future leaders in agriculture. Scheduled for February 15-22 this year, National FFA Week is also a great time to highlight the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) active partnership with the organization, especially its role in spotlighting the importance of agricultural education and career opportunities.
USDA has been a proud supporter of the organization and has welcomed many members through its doors. It’s no secret who these members are when they visit USDA headquarters wearing their iconic blue corduroy jackets. They are a nostalgic sight for USDA staff who are proud FFA alumni themselves and attribute their career success to the organization that so positively impacted them.
Jody McDaniel, Census and Survey Division director in the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), is one of these alumni. “February is a month when I reflect on the opportunities that my time as an Eldorado, Illinois FFA member provided as I transitioned into a career in agriculture,” he said. “Looking back, I realize these experiences have proven invaluable as I built my career in civil service with USDA. The relationships I developed during my time in the FFA remain irreplaceable, even decades after I hung up my blue jacket for the last time.”
Horace Hodge, a USDA liaison, often thinks back upon his time in the Linden-Kildare FFA Chapter in Texas. “FFA has more to do with who I am today than any other organization I am affiliated with,” he said. “The FFA cultivated my career in agriculture, and I will always be loyal to the motto: Learning to do, doing to learn, learning to live, and living to serve.” Horace continues his work at USDA by hosting FFA leadership and career development events on the Prairie View A&M University campus where he is located.
Through a rich history of various signed Memoranda of Understanding, USDA is proud to support FFA by actively collaborating with the organization to raise awareness of agricultural careers and internship opportunities and to invite FFA student member perspectives on USDA programs and initiatives. USDA is committed to our FFA partnership and looks forward to future opportunities to support growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.
Happy National FFA Week from all of us at USDA!
