Recently I had the tremendous honor of attending Virginia’s 85th state FFA convention on the campus of Virginia Tech. What a wonderful opportunity to see more than 1,700 bright, eager and enthusiastic young agricultural leaders in action. As I sat there in Burruss Auditorium, I found myself reflecting back to my own days when I wore the familiar blue and gold jacket. It has been 27 years since I attended my first state convention as a rising eight grader. Although so much has changed within this fine organization over the years, it was refreshing to see the same spirit of excitement and optimism for our industry. FFA today is stronger than ever and agriculture’s future will be better because of it.
When I think back on my life, few things had a bigger impact on me than my FFA experiences. It was there that a whole world was introduced to me. I was raised on a farm in rural Virginia and had never really had an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. I had a shy personality, traveled very little, worked a lot on the farm and developed a great appreciation for agriculture. After all, the farm I grew up on had been in my family for more than 100 years, so my roots to farming ran deep. I always knew as a child that I wanted to work in agriculture, but the FFA opened up a door that helped me see just how exciting and diverse agriculture could be.
When I attended my first state FFA convention back in 1984, I caught the FFA bug. It was my first trip to Blacksburg where my love of Virginia Tech began. I returned home as a 12-year-old telling my parents I would be a Hokie one day and years later it drove my mother crazy when I refused to apply to any other college except Virginia Tech.
It was on that first trip I watched state FFA officers speak on stage so eloquently. I saw members compete in events and contests, receive awards, give retiring addresses, and show their love of this organization. Something changed inside of me. I left that convention inspired and motivated. I wasn’t yet sure of what all FFA had to offer, but I knew I wanted to find out. And so began an eight year run filled with adventures and opportunities of a lifetime.
Throughout my FFA career, I had the amazing chance to travel to Japan as a 15 year old on a three week exchange program. I helped tear down the Berlin Wall in December of 1989 while touring Germany as a state FFA officer exchange student. Two years later as a national FFA officer I was walking the streets of Hong Kong and China on yet another international adventure. My travels led me to the Oval Office where I sat down at a table for a 30 minute conversation with President George H.W. Bush, discussing the future of agriculture. I saw the Northern Lights in Alaska, tasted the maple syrup harvest in Vermont, rode a bull in Wyoming and hiked the Grand Canyon in Arizona. I gave a retiring address to more than 25,000 students in Kansas City and even met my future wife from Kentucky at an FFA conference in Washington, D.C. FFA was very good to me indeed.
It all didn’t come easy for me however. I stumbled along the way and had my share of setbacks. I placed last in my first public speaking contest, was defeated in my first two attempts running for chapter office and never reached many of those early goals I set for myself. But the one thing FFA taught me was determination. I learned that when you don’t win, you must dust yourself off and try again. My FFA advisor used to say you always become better for trying and sometimes you learn bigger lessons coming in last place. It was those early setbacks that taught me those real lessons that have really helped me in life. Perseverance and determination are needed daily no matter what career you work in, especially working in agriculture!
Another experience I gained in FFA was the importance of serving others. Early on our FFA chapter was always involved in community service projects ranging from building park benches, painting the local community center, collecting toys for the needy at Christmas and picking up trash along the highway. I remember as a freshman delivering a box of toys to a needy family at Christmas and watching the mom cry out in joy. It left a lasting impression on me. This desire to serve has carried with me not only in my FFA career, but throughout my political career as well. Even today as Commissioner, I truly love looking for ways to serve those in our industry. Having a servant’s heart is something that truly makes our world a better place and these young FFA members are developing this trait at an early age.
Agriculture is such a diverse industry and today’s FFA organization is leading the way. I was amazed at the award winners I saw at this recent meeting and the type of projects they are involved in. Biotechnology, alternative energy, agritourism, sustainability, and environmental stewardship are all words used to describe today’s industry and we are recognizing these achievements in our FFA chapters. It is very exciting to see and it gives me confidence knowing the future will remain bright for generations to come.
At this recent session, they showed a 20 minute video on the history of our organization dating from the early 1920s to today. Wow! Not only has our industry changed and adapted over these past 85 years, but the FFA organization has as well. With more than 500,000 members nationwide leading the way, I left optimistic and excited for the future. I reflect fondly on what the FFA has meant to me and how it has prepared me in so many areas of my life. I would not change those experiences for the world. And yet I am just as happy for today’s young members because I know their lives will be impacted as well. If you want to be uplifted and energized for the future of our agricultural industry, I encourage you to attend a local or state FFA event and get to know these young leaders. I promise you that you will be just as impressed as I was. It may not be your grandfather’s organization, but I guarantee you your grandfather would be proud!
Matt Lohr is the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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