Chowchilla FFA chapter puts local face on national issues
For The Madera Tribune Frank Bigelow, center, with Chowchilla FFA members Christina Fuller, Andrea Jimenez, Ali Misleh and Dyland Tomlinson.
How can farmers and ranchers progress towards a net zero energy operation? Why do farmers incorporate renewable energy sources into their farms and ranches?
These are just two of the questions local leaders will find out more about through the Agricultural Issues Forum, a new community outreach activity of the Chowchilla FFA Chapter. The chapter presented a forum to Assemblyman Frank Bigelow, R-O’Neals, and the California Women for Agriculture Association. They will be presenting to leaders within Wilbur Ellis, Biodico, Red Rock Ranch, the California Milk Producers Council, and the California Farm Bureau Federation during April.
“We want to reach out to our community leaders and show that these issues will continue to impact our industry,” said Christina Fuller, Chowchilla FFA chapter reporter.“Our country must continue its economic prosperity — to do that we need a better understanding of our food, agricultural footprint on the environment, and natural resources system. This is a great way of teaching our community about these issues.”
Through the Agricultural Issues Forum, students like Fuller identify and research agricultural issues of local, state, national, and international concern. The students then work with community groups to present informational forums on a specific agricultural issue. Local community leaders say the activity benefits their groups.
The Agricultural Issues Forum Activity is a program of the National FFA Organization.It is sponsored by Elanco Animal Health, a Division of Eli Lilly as a special project of Team AgEd.
Future Farmers of America is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The 457,278 members and 7,312 chapters in FFA represent all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is a diverse organization, operating in rural, urban and suburban schools. Students aged 12-21 enrolled in agricultural education programs are eligible for membership.
