alafarmnews

National FFA Week (February 18th-25th) provides an opportunity each year for FFA chapters across Alabama to inform their communities about what FFA members are doing across our state. I would like to use an article submitted by Jordan Hamilton, 2005-2006 Alabama FFA President, for this article:

"National FFA Week is a time to recognize members and advisors from all across the nation. It is also an opportunity to publicize FFA and many of our accomplishments.

FFA chapters from all across the state recently celebrated National FFA Week in various ways. Some chapters appeared on a television news broadcast like the Marbury Chapter. Some held

Present as Governor Bob Riley (seated) signed the official proclamation on the National FFA Week were FFA State Officers (from left) Brooke Head, State FFA Vice-President, Marbury; Jordan Hamilton, State FFA President, Sand Rock; Matt Wilson, State FFA Secretary, Jacksonville; Karen Baggett, State FFA Reporter, Lawrence County; Kimberly Henderson, State FFA Sentinel, Enterprise; and Jared Beasley, State FFA Treasurer, Gaston.

an annual Farm/City Day for elementary students like the Montevallo Chapter. Some submitted articles to local newspapers, such as the Jacksonville Chapter. Yet another way was by thanking local farmers in the community with an appreciation breakfast like the Spring Garden Chapter. Many other similar activities were replicated by numerous chapters from all across the state.

Each of these activities highlighted the best FFA has to offer. The Alabama State FFA officers’ National FFA Week festivities included an appearance on Fox 6’s Good Day Alabama (Birmingham), a legislative visit with many prominent government officials, a proclamation signing with Governor Bob Riley, along with various chapter visits.

As FFA members, we each celebrate National FFA Week once a year. We spend this one week out of the year devoting it to as many FFA activities as we can. I challenge each of you. Make EVERY week FFA Week! Never miss the opportunity to publicize the FFA whether it be encouraging new membership or highlighting your chapter’s achievements to the community. By informing the public about FFA, you are not only affecting your chapter but the state and national level as well.

Best wishes to you this spring as district eliminations quickly approach and I hope to see you at convention!!! GOD BLESS"

Jordan did a great job explaining some of the activities that FFA chapters do during National FFA Week. I would like to embellish on one particular day. The Alabama Farmers Federation was kind enough to schedule a day at the State Capitol for the State Officers to meet several state officials and legislators. The officers met first with Kay Ivey, State Treasurer, and Nancy Worley, Secretary of State. Then we went to the State House to receive resolutions from the House of Representatives, made possible by Rep. Richard Lindsey - representing Cherokee, Cleburne, and DeKalb Counties, and the Senate, made possible by Sen. Larry Means - representing Cherokee and Etowah Counties. The last stop on the agenda was Governor Bob Riley’s office for an official proclamation on National FFA Week in Alabama. I would like to add that the Governor is a former FFA member from Clay County.

Jacob Davis is the Executive Secretary for the Alabama FFA Association.

FFA Events to Remember:

South District FFA Eliminations
April 21, 2006
LBW Community College -
Andalusia Campus

Central District FFA Eliminations
April 28, 2006
Montevallo University - Montevallo

North District FFA Eliminations
April 28, 2006
Wallace Community College -
Hanceville

State FFA CDE Competitions
May 30, 2006
Auburn University & Surrounding Area

District & State 4-H/FFA
Dairy Judging Contest
May 30, 2006
Shorter

Alabama FFA Convention
May 31, - June 2, 2006
Auburn University Student Activities Building

South Alabama Market Hog Show
June 12 - 13, 2006
Dothan

Alabama National Fair
October 6 - 15, 2006
Montgomery