More Feature Articles

January 2010
-Creature-Focused Careers
-Former Members Reflect: Dr. Dwight Armstrong
-Levy Randolph
-Safety on Speed Dial
-Preserving Their Culture
-Off and Away

November 2009
-Former Members Reflect: Emilie Bocker
-Turn That Down!
-Car Smarts
-So Much Cooler Online
-Laila Hajji
-The Water Way
-A Greater Cause

June 2009
-Stretch Your Summer Income
-Riley Branch
-Turn That Down
-Behind-The-Scenes Star

May 2009
-Welcoming Women
-Regina Holliday
-Job Interview Jitters
-So Much Cooler Online
-Questioning Your College Choices? 
-A Can-Do Attitude
-Former Members Reflect: Michele Payn-Knoper

April 2009
-Hannah Crossen
-Cowboy Book With a Cause
-From FFA to 33Miles
-There’s Cash in Your Future
-I’m Angry…Now What?
-For the Love of Landscaping
-Perfect Balance
-Gardening For A Cause

February 2009
-Blue-Ribbon Banjo Player
-FFA as an Art Form
-Wild About Animals
-Nessie Early
-Be a PAL
-Full Throttle
-Living to Serve
-Special Invitation

January 2009
-All About National FFA Week
-Paul Moya
-Justin Floyd
-Partners for the Planet
-Finding Balance
-Swimming in Aquaculture
-Breaking Records
-Take It Slow

December 2008
-National FFA convention to rotate homes

November 2008
-Dr. Al Snyder
-Scholarship Secrets
-Gear Up for National FFA Week
-Kari Boettcher
-Resist Peer Pressure
-Good to the Last Crop
-All Creatures, Great and Small
-Sparking Interest

September 2008
-Agriculture Accuracy
-Crissa Fruechte
-Brady Revels
-Get Up!
-Proceed With Caution
-All in Good Taste
-Clutch Performance
-Step Right Up

July 2008
-Take It to a New Level
-Deep-Rooted Interest
-Take a Deep Breath
-Tyler Tenbarge
-Inspired by FFA
-On the Right Track

May 2008
-In the Vault
-Your Money: Keeping Records
-National Officer Q&A
-We’re All Unique
-Best in Show
-Grab Life by the Reins

March 2008
-Call to Order!
-Reality Check
-Turtle Power
-By the Numbers
-Dale Darling
-A Token of Appreciation
-National Officer Q&A

January 2008
-National Officer Q&A
-Back Talk: Paul McCutchan
-Building Bright Futures

November 2007
-National Officer Q&A
-Back Talk: Corey Flournoy
-Biofuels Mean Business
-Go, Team, Go
-A Tractor Tradition

October 2007
-National Officer Q&A
-Back Talk: Kristie VerMulm
-Give them an A+
-Cranberry Crazy
-Racing to Indy

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FFA Feature

Justin Floyd

Former member uses agricultural mechanics skills

January 2009

For former FFA member Justin Floyd of Cheraw, S.C., joining the U.S. Navy was a perfect career choice. A state FFA extemporaneous public speaking winner, Petty Officer Floyd is now using his FFA skills while operating and working on nuclear reactors at the naval base in Goose Creek, S.C.

QDid your FFA experience prepare you for a military career?
AAbsolutely. I learned discipline and patience by growing plants and raising animals. Leadership classes were a big help, and the social skills you learn and develop in FFA are important to any career. Also learning to respect and even iron my FFA Official Dress was good preparation!

QDo you find yourself using skills from FFA and agricultural education in your current role?
AAgricultural mechanics has helped a ton. The knowledge you gain even in just using simple tools correctly and understanding flow of water in irrigation systems helps in understanding the main and auxiliary systems of a reactor. That would be the biggest skill that has helped me succeed in Nuclear Field “A” School.

QWhat would you say to another FFA member who is interested in joining the U.S. military?
AI waited two years out of high school, so it affected my physical condition. Training is really important! Work out at least four months before boot camp. It’s a wonderful career, especially when you think of how financially stable you can be, the benefits of the military and the honor of serving your country. Also, don’t sneeze or move during inspections; it will be a bad day. This I know from personal experience!

Web Extra

Q
Even though the name of the organization isn’t Future Farmers of America anymore, many people (including potential members) still see it that way. What do you think FFA members can do to help overcome that stereotype – that only people who aspire to become farmers should be in FFA?
A
FFA is a place where all students can fit in! This organization is all about developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Although we do aim to further the future of agriculture, FFA simply prepares students for life. FFA not only develops students who will be leaders in the agricultural industry, it develops servant leaders who will make an impact in our world. The lessons I have learned in this FFA jacket will stay with me forever and have made me the person I am today. As FFA members we need to make sure people know that!

FFA Timeline:

Age 14 - Joined the Los Lunas FFA Chapter
Age 15 - 1st place District Creed Contest
Age 15 - State Star Greenhand Agribusiness
Age 16 - Served as Los Lunas FFA Chapter Sentinel
Age 17 - Received State FFA Degree
Age 17 - Served as New Mexico FFA State Vice-President
Age 17 - Finalist for State Star in Agribusiness
Age 18 - Served as New Mexico FFA State President
Age 18 - 1st place State Prepared Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking
Age 19 - Received American FFA Degree
Age 19 - Camp Director for New Mexico FFA Leadership Camp
Age 20 - Elected National FFA President