“I believe in the future of agriculture in a faith born not of words, but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years…” -FFA Creed

It’s FFA Week, which means this old alumni is being bombarded with one too many memories. As I sit here, typing out the creed I am an officer again, a showman, a livestock judge, a public speaker, an event coordinator, a teacher, a recruiter, a camp counselor, a professional donkey basketball player and so many other things. You see, FFA is more than plows and cows; it truly is a faith born not of words, but of deeds.

I had the privilege of representing Section 3 FFA my senior year of high school where I was propelled into (what I thought at the time) the great unknown. I met so many new friends, which opened doors to places I never even dreamed about going before. I’ve been challenged; whether it was learning the chemistry that goes into farming, or the various seed genetics that goes into higher yield potential, or what goes into picking out the perfect show heifer. I’ve learned to be a good sport no matter what. But more importantly, I want to show you the places I went because of FFA…

Section 3 Officer Team. Can’t believe this was taken over five years ago.

Made new friends on the clear opposite end of the state, who had four wheelers (which was super cool in my high school mind).

We got stuck in a severe rain storm in the woods. Seriously, didn’t know Southern IL had such torrential rain storms.

Who then drug me out to Camp Chief Ouray in Colorado to be a Camp Counselor.

Learned how to rough it, literally. Cooked over a fire, slept under the stars with just a sleeping bag, oh and moose and bobcats freely roaming around.

Then I went back for round two the next summer to be a Riding Assistant.

My main man (Pappy) the summer of 2010.

And then I went to college and served on the Collegiate FFA officer team where I starred on a donkey basketball team.

We totally dominated. Obviously, look at those donkeys;)

Where I also found a passion for recruiting students to attend Illinois State University. Go Redbirds!

Recruiting at the State Convention.

Needless to say, FFA has always been a huge part of my life by learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve. Happy FFA Week! What are you doing to celebrate?

P.S. Tomorrow I will be discussing official dress. Tune in:)