FFA: A Legacy

I would like to thank all of the people that participated in this blog post.  It was very special to me, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed putting together.  I appreciate everyone for taking the time to participate in it.  I also would like to say "thank you" to Mrs. Dale Anderson, Rheba, Brooke Ward, Laura Fowler, and Jenny Rowland who assisted in reaching out to some of the participants in this blog.  And as always, thank you to Chris Rogers, who is always willing to help me with photos.  You guys are the best!

What made you want to become an FFA advisor?

Mr. Deas, Mrs. Marcia Smith, and Miss Sarah Trimm (a former student who is now teaching Ag at Suwannee High School).  The photo was taken at the FFA Alumni Food Fest.

"As a high school freshman, Mr. Deas the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Bronson High School, sought me out to take an agricultural class and join FFA. My mama was not too keen on that idea. She thought ag was just for boys, but since my best friend Judy Beauchamp was taking ag, she relented. Over the next few years, through Mr. Deas' encouragement and belief in me, I was able to take advantage of many of the opportunities FFA had to offer. He saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself. He pushed me to be my best. When I was elected as a State FFA officer in 1981, I then realized that I wanted to be able to do the same for other students. I went to UF, earned my bachelor and masters degrees in agricultural education, and have taught and been an FFA Advisor for 30 years. During that time, I have thoroughly enjoyed helping my students reach their highest potential. One of the things I am most proud of is the number of former students and interns that are now agricultural educators themselves. Teaching agriculture won't make you rich monetarily but I am beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of so many young people's lives. I can only hope that they feel as blessed as I am to have had the opportunity."
--Marcia Smith, Bronson FFA Advisor

Dallas Locke

"The reason I wanted to become an Ag teacher has evolved over the years. I decided to become an Ag teacher in the 11th grade. Back then, it was because I wanted to show cattle forever, still kind of is. After high school, as I pursued my degree, my desire changed as I had both good and bad Ag teachers and I wanted to be able to offer opportunities to students that I never even knew about. The competitive side of me is another reason...for the FFA part. As I finish up my 12th year teaching, I have never once felt as if I had to go to work, I know a lot of people can't say the same and that must be horrible."
--Dallas Locke, Chiefland Senior FFA Advisor 

Sarah Trimm with her FFA members

"I wanted to become an FFA advisor because I wanted to impact and make a difference in the lives of students.  I reflected on what my FFA Advisor, Marcia Smith, and other wise owls like Mr. Denny Voyles taught me and how they made me feel...special.  Like I could do anything I set my mind to.  We formed such a bond that I could never replace.  I want to be that person for someone else.  I want to live out my passion every single day and enjoy life.  Who knows?  Maybe one of my students will walk in my shoes someday and the legacy of agriculture will carry on.  I can only hope."
--Sarah Trimm, Suwannee Senior FFA Advisor

Colton, Harleigh, and Heather Rucker

"I have a love of agriculture that was instilled in me from my grandpa, who was a farmer.  I love seeing the kids learn and grow as advocates for Ag themselves!"
--Heather Rucker, Trenton FFA Ag Advisor

Katie Quincey

“I consider myself blessed to have grown up in Trenton. To this day, I believe it one of the best Ag programs in the state. I was taught by 3 different Ag teachers (Steve Broker, Erin Verplank, and Heather Rucker), who had the same common mission: encouragement and opportunities. They used the FFA organization to teach myself and the other members about leadership, belief in ourselves, the importance of helping others and so much more. They encouraged us to pursue our dreams and gave us the opportunities to develop our skills. I believe that my experience in FFA and the Trenton Ag program is what inspired me to become an Ag teacher. It seemed the best combination of the things I am most passionate about: our youth and agriculture. I just hope that I can have half the influence on the students I am blessed to teach and advise as my FFA advisors had on me.”
--Katie Quincey, Suwannee Middle School FFA Advisor

What was your favorite FFA memory?

Laia Gore and Lauren Bartholemy

"Well, I think my favorite memory would be in 9th grade when the high school Cedar Key FFA Chapter was first started, and I was elected Vice President. That was a pretty big deal for me. Also, that year, we hit the Ornamental Horticulture Demo contest really hard.  We had late night practices (all of our teams, probably 8 or so) and we just stayed in the Ag room for hours, practicing our flower arrangements and fruit carving and speeches. My team (Lauren Bartholemy and myself), took home First Place in the state for the Artistic arrangement division. It was one of the happiest days of my life because all that hard work showed in the CDE, and it really paid off."
--Laia Gore, Former Cedar Key FFA member

Emily Rutter

"Traveling to state and national conventions are my favorite memories from FFA! I'm sure a lot of people would answer the same way...but the experiences I got and the people I met through those trips were incredible, and I wouldn't have been able to have them any other way."

--Emily Rutter, former Bronson FFA member

Reagan Hudson and Mollee Beauchamp as they are recognized at State Convention for their OH Demo

"My favorite FFA memory would have to be when my partner, Reagan Hudson, and I won the State OH demo competition. Our demo was in the artistic arrangement category: we made herb gardens in a lot of different ways. We practiced for months! Since we were competing against 12 other district winners, we thought we would be lucky to place in the top three. We were on the edge of our seats and utterly shocked when the announcer called our name! I didn't even believe what I had heard. Reagan nudged my shoulder and said, 'That is us, Mollee!' Best of all, we would later be recognized on the stage at state convention!!!! Hard work really does pay off!"

--Mollee Beauchamp, Chiefland Middle FFA member

Sara Spivey showing at the Suwannee River Fair.

"My favorite FFA memories were made at the Suwannee River Fair."
--Sara Spivey, former Bell FFA member

Rheba on the far right, along with her fellow officers.

"Out of all the memories I could choose: winning State (multiple times), Nationals, becoming President...By far, my favorite FFA memory was during Senior year. It was the night after my Dad died, and I was trying to take a relaxing shower and clear my mind. Aunt Angie knocked on the door and said 'There’s this red-headed kid outside and he refuses to come in.'  I got dressed thinking 'who in the world is she talking about?'  I went out on the porch to find Shermie (Harold Tillis) waiting on me along with half of my officer team. I asked why on Earth they wouldn’t come on in and got the response, “D. Locke said no one can go inside until we all get here.” As if I didn’t already know, that night I realized that FFA was never a club or organization for us, it was a family. Although we had all grown up together, FFA brought us closer than we ever would have been otherwise. They stayed for hours that night reminiscing on old memories. Memories that drew laughs out of me when, otherwise, I would have been holding back tears. My senior year, Meagan Morgan and I both lost our fathers. I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through the rest of that school year without the love and support of my officer team, Ag teachers, and Alumni. They were always there when I needed a laugh, listening ear, or shoulder to cry on. The friendships I made through FFA are those that will last a lifetime."
--Rheba Sheffield, former Chiefland FFA member

'93-'94 Dixie FFA Officers

Back (Left to Right): Joyie Millican, Brooke Davis Ward, Jobi Mayo Taylor, Kenny Stemple, Tonya Long Overstreet, Mandy Higginbotham Brock, Carla Delaney Underhill, Rob Hatch, Jaime Landrum NesSmith, and Pearl Infinger Millard.  Front: Dixie FFA Advisor Matt Cravey.

"I have so many great memories of FFA, it’s hard to pick just one. Mr. Matt Cravey was our advisor and my most influential teacher without a bit of doubt. I learned early-on how to “re-create” his signature and was able to unearth that skill once I became the Creative Life Skills superintendent at the Suwannee River Fair by signing entry forms in his absence. As a Sophomore I attended National Convention in Kansas City, Missouri. Mr. Cravey rented two Cadillac’s for our adventure. His wife Maureen and their 3 boys, who were 7 and younger, joined myself and three other members on our adventure. Our friend, and past state vice president, Kristi Harrison joined us on our trip up. We stayed the night in St. Louis and visited the Arch. Later that night, we locked the keys in the Cadillac while the engine was running. Which led to us taking an emergency trip to the airport to get a key from the rent-a-car folks to unlock the Caddy. When we arrived in Kansas City at the Rodeway Inn it was a dump! The entire Florida Association booked at the “Roachway;” and after one night of Mr. Cravey walking the halls to run the prostitutes out, we moved out of the “Roachway” and found better accommodations. The trade show at Bartle Hall was my favorite part of convention. Each state sets up a booth highlighting their most popular crops and commodities, along with major tractor corporations and leading vehicle manufacturers to name a few. It was an amazing site, that sea of blue jackets from all over the United States and Puerto Rico gathered in one location! My favorite contest was the Forestry Contest. It was our first contest of the year and we spent most days after school combing through trees and bushes, hunting forestry diseases and pests. I could spot a fall web worm from a mile away and was always hoping to find signs a twig girdler or a gall wasp nest. Mr. Cravey did a phenomenal job of individualizing with us rough neck kids and identifying our strengths. Under his leadership Dixie County FFA was alive again, beginning in 1991, and continues to thrive today with support from their Alumni and supporters. Dixie County FFA has 9 American Degree recipients to-date according to the National FFA awards history database: Travis Cooper and Danny Watson, 1996; Chad Crews and Rob Hatch, 1997; Matt Frierson, Mandy Higginbotham Brock and Brooke Davis Ward, 1998; Heather Driggers Rucker, 1999; and Shelbie McCall, 2016. All but one (2016) were awarded during the Cravey-era. Looking back, SRF, State Convention at Greenleaf, LTC, Sub-district contest, Moultrie, Ga. and Forestry Field Day at LCCC…the vast majority of my favorite memories include FFA."
--Brooke Ward, former Dixie FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni Member

Emily Hallman

“My favorite memory of FFA was participating in creed speaking. During Creed Speaking, I found my appreciation for the FFA and it was by far my favorite contest. I ended up placing third in the State Creed Speaking Contest.”
--Emily Hallman, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Scotty Tucker

"My favorite part of FFA was working with the animals. One of my fondest memories would have to be the time I spent with "Big Pun", he was the Trenton High School FFA fat steer. I was picked to show him during the livestock fair. The experience was both a challenging and rewarding one."
--Scotty Tucker, Former Chiefland FFA member


"My favorite FFA memory...Dang. That's so hard to choose! I have two that are my favorite but for different reasons.  The first would be when I got a thank you letter from the local food pantry after I had donated a hog I had raised for the fair. They said it fed something like over 80 families, which in our community...because it's so small...is a ton. It really touched me, to know that so many people so close to you are food insecure and reliant on a food bank. And to help those is the greatest feeling in the world. It really changed how I saw things. Shortly after that was when I, and really the whole Chapter started focusing on food insecurity.  We did a summer seminar, and filmed with a TV crew, for the farmers network channel...it was so much fun. We met this wonderful reporter named Tyne Morgan and her crew was awesome and hilarious.  Getting to be on tv was so cool...We spent the day talking about what we wanted to accomplish, and we set goals, and we really learned about how many people don't know where there next meal is coming from. It was part of the Food For All Program.  Overall, that was one of my favorite memories.  We put on a workshop at state convention, and a presentation at national convention.. reps from our chapter spoke in Iowa, we helped a lot of people with out project and the memory is priceless."

--Taryn Epperson, former Cedar Key FFA member

How did FFA influence you?

Jake and Wes Sache, photo credit: Ashley Lynn Photography

"FFA helped me through SAE projects.  Also, going through interviews for Star Green Hand and Star Farmer.  It was beneficial to be on teams, and work together, and use what was learned on those teams."
--Jake Sache, Former Chiefland FFA member

Mr. Scott Mills

"The FFA has been a great learning influence on my life. I am currently a mechanic and I do a little farming. I began my FFA experience when I was in middle school and it has positively impacted my life since. I participated in the ag mechanics program which allowed me to expand my knowledge and show off new skills I had learned on how to mechanic on farm equipment. I also competed in tool identification which helped me learn the different tools and what they are used for. I also competed in tractor driving which allowed me to be proficient in operating farm equipment. With my gained knowledge on how to properly fix and operate farm equipment it helped me land my first job which was being a mechanic at Brookins John Deer tractor sales. I worked for 15 years then became a mechanic for my family business Standridge Baled pine straw. My career has been based around my love for FFA and the many tricks of the trade it has taught me."
--Scott Mills, Former Chiefland FFA member and Chiefland FFA Alumni member

Laci Cooper

"It’s been almost eleven years since I zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and just over 16 years since I first sat in an agriculture class. I surely didn’t know what I was in for when I sat there in Mrs. Smith’s room; a very shy, and easily intimidated, 7th grader. It was painful to talk to strangers, and I most definitely would not stand up in a room full of them and deliver a speech. Handle a cow in a show ring? I think not. Lead a group of peers in prayer? You’ve got to be kidding me! These things were the furthest from my mind of possibilities. Well, fast forward to the end of my senior year and there I was standing in front of fellow FFA members, parents, teachers and other supporters leading the Open and Closing Ceremonies for the final time as Bronson FFA Chapter President. So much- too many events, contests and awards to even mention- had taken place over that period of time. Somehow, shortly into my journey with the FFA, I was roped in as an alternate on a team. I had to memorize a small speaking part just in case one of the other members couldn’t make it. I ended up not being needed at that time, but it was enough to spark my interest for the next time. With a little (a lot) of persuasion from my mother and my advisor, I began to step out of my comfort zone and take on bigger tasks. I stood up in front of crowds, bigger each time. I competed on new teams that I could have never imagined myself joining. Literally- I judged everything from livestock, vegetables and soil, to speaking about water conservation and soil stewardship. I traveled across the state and to other parts of the country to learn about various agricultural practices and commodities, and I was honored to teach what I had learned to children from local elementary schools and beyond- all the way to Louisville, Kentucky. I lost track of the leadership conferences, camps and conventions I was fortunate enough to attend. Actually just a month or so ago I decided to part with the mound of FFA conference workbooks I had been hoarding. I glanced through them out of curiosity. These books were filled with recurring themes of how to be a leader, how to work together with your peers as a team, and setting and achieving goals. There were names of new friends and their AOL and MSN Messenger handles- some of which I am still friends with, some I don’t have a clue who they are! So what did all of this mean to mean? The conferences, the contests, the livestock fairs and traveling, it honestly all is a blur at this point. It breaks my heart a little because FFA was truly the best thing that happened to me during my youth and I hate that the memories are beginning to fade. Not just the FFA, but my advisor, my parents, my friends’ parents and others willing to teach, organize, critique, chauffeur- all of them- they helped shape me into the person I am today. That might sound cheesy but it’s totally true. My advisor and my mama pushed me to step out of my comfort zone- something I still have to make myself do. They believed in me, they pushed me, and they critiqued (sometimes when I didn’t ask for it.) This organization taught me how to believe in myself, how to push myself, and when to take chances. The FFA taught me how to lose, but then how to brush myself off and try harder the next time. There were a lot of victories throughout the years, but trust me, there were a lot of tears and heartache. Every win and loss was monumental, though I didn’t understand the significance of the losses at the time. There’s a lot about those years I wish I could go back and do again. It was truly a blast- except maybe the tears and heartache parts! One of the lines from the FFA Closing Ceremonies pops in my mind from time to time, 'As we mingle with others, let us be diligent in labor, just in our dealings, courteous to everyone, and above all, honest and fair in the game of life.' If FFA members take nothing else from this organization, I hope they take this. Oh, and I’ll leave ya’ll with a recurring statement that my advisor pounded in our heads (and one I still haven’t quite mastered after learning it almost 2 decades ago), the 6Ps: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance! Anyone coming from the Bronson FFA Chapter should be able to recite that in their sleep."
--Laci McGinty Cooper, Former Bronson FFA member

Kinsey Ward (Photo was taken in Washington DC at the WLC Leadership Conference)

"FFA, as a whole, entails the future of agriculture with faith in young people. As a 6th grade kid, FFA was where I found my passions after being cut from every sports team I tried out for. Little did I know that what I saw as a "last resort" club would take me all the way through high school and now even some of my college experience. FFA not only taught me how to be a leader, with strong morals and grace in front of crowds, but also how to interact one on one with people, deal with my own business endeavors, and be able to take pride in all of my attempts. FFA showed me the importance of diversity in agriculture, and in general, to make a functioning team of people. Most importantly, though, FFA taught me to embrace the way I was raised and love the agriculture industry, my 'inborn fondness for those associations which even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny.' In October, I will follow in the footsteps of my great grandfather and past state vice president Lynn, my grandfather Joe and my mother Brooke to become a 4th generation recipient of the prestigious American Degree."
--Kinsey Ward, Former Chiefland FFA member

Hunter Parrish with Miss Harley Parrish

"From the time I was a young child, FFA has always been a major part of my life. For me, it began by seeing my older cousins wearing the blue and gold while showing calves at Suwannee River Fair. From that moment, I was hooked. I joined FFA in the sixth grade and have never looked back. FFA has taught me the importance of the agricultural industry. I have learned, first-hand, the value of a hard-earned dollar. I will always be appreciative to the FFA for helping to shape me into the man I am today."
--Hunter Parrish, Former Trenton FFA member

Cale McCall

"Growing up, I was always taught that you give back to whatever or whoever poured into your life. When I joined FFA in the sixth grade, I was outgoing but I never really found 'my place.' I didn't fit in with the 'cool' kids, or play any sports; so, when we were made to take an agriculture class in the sixth grade, I learned about the FFA. I can still recall what it felt like to attend my first meeting, and the anxious nerves of unpacking my very first FFA jacket. As my career progressed in the FFA, I met some of the most amazing people, and mentors. People who have poured their entire heart and souls into my life, and have shaped me to become the person I am today. To say the FFA changed my life, is an understatement and misconception. FFA made me who I am today, by taking the kid who didn't really have a place and giving him a place to flourish. The reason I ran for state office was for all the kids that felt the same way that I did, I wanted them to know that FFA is a place for everyone; that no matter where you come from, how you identify, what race, religion, or culture you claim...the FFA accepts you. I ran so that I could give back what they gave to me and build up the organization for future kids like me."
--Cale McCall, Former Dixie FFA member

Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

“Growing up, I was surrounded by agriculture. From growing watermelons in the spring time, to baling hay in the summer and fall, I have developed a passion for the agriculture industry. When I joined the FFA in sixth grade, I had the opportunity to learn leadership techniques and develop my public speaking ability. My participation in a prepared public speaking event helped me discover my desire to pursue a career in plant genetics. The FFA has established my abilities as a leader and gave me voice to advocate for the agriculture industry.”
--Brooks Parrish, 2015-2016 State FFA President

Tenlee Beauchamp and Jared Twombly

"I don't think that I could choose one FFA memory. There have been so many, but to me, FFA is the long nights spent studying for a contest, conventions, conferences, road trips, and very close friendships. FFA has taught me the value of hard work and dedication. Had I not joined this amazing organization as a sixth grader, I would not be the person I am today."

--Tenlee Beauchamp, Chiefland Senior FFA member

What has been your favorite FFA project?

Mr. Randy Wilkerson wearing the tiara after winning the alumni show, and Ashley with her hog, Charlie.

"My favorite project would be the hog I showed my senior year, Charley. She was hands down my favorite, of the 10 I showed, because Daddy won the alumni show with her and had to wear a tiara all day!"
--Ashley Dayle Wilkerson, former Chiefland FFA member

Kyndal Bussard competing at the Suwannee River Fair

"My favorite project is my swine project.  It is my favorite because I love showing the pig at the fair and learning what I can do to make my project better for the next year.  I also look forward to seeing my friends show their pigs.  I also like dogs, so I love that I get to work with my dog, a 90 pound yellow lab, Colt.  I enjoy the bond that we have.  We are a team and have to work well together to be successful.  I enjoy meeting other young people and spending time with them and their dogs.  My favorite competition with Colt is agility, because he really gets to show off!  The obedience showmanship and rally are more disciplined...so I like to be able to let him run and have fun!"
--Kyndal Bussard, 8th Grade Dixie FFA member

Sam Mills

"My favorite project in FFA is beef production. I enjoy breeding and raising beef cows for show and maternal quality. I have a show herd of cows that I artificially inseminate to produce show quality heifers or steers for me to show at the SRF and at the state fair and numerous other local shows. My maternal commercial herd I use to produce good mothers and high quality meat. Normally, I sell those to people wanting to breed and raise calves. I throughly enjoy showing my calves and I practice with my calves daily so they will be the best at each show I take them to. I have won several championship titles and numerous showmanship belt buckles. No matter what, I always take away useful knowledge to help me on my next show."
--Sam Mills, Chiefland Senior FFA member

Nolan Benton

"Tool ID and showing my steer in the Fair.  I enjoyed learning all the different tools and their purpose and using that knowledge.  Having a steer is hard work, but I look forward to the Fair every year."
--Nolan Benton, Williston FFA member

This photo was taken right after the Ag Issues and Par Pro Competitions, Sydney is pictured on the far right.

"My favorite project was when we competed in Ag Issues at State Convention. Agriculture issues is a competition based on current events that are causing a problem in our communities. While searching for our topic, we decided to give our presentation on water conservation in the United States. We set up a presentation that was based on a meeting in the US Senate, where four state senators from Florida, Arizona, California, and Nevada got together to pose a solution to our water problem. This project was small, and although we did not place, our project influenced me to be a lobbyist for agriculture to help spread awareness...not only water conservation but the ag industry as a whole."
--Sydney Groom, Dixie Senior FFA Treasurer