AEM is a proud supporter of the National FFA Organization and all the ways it works to promote positive change, develop the next generation of leaders, and influence how the world grows.
The association sat down with several AEM staff members during FFA Week to discuss the importance of the National FFA Organization to both the equipment manufacturing industry and those who participate in their local chapter. As FFA alumni themselves, AEM’s Curt Blades, John Rozum, Austin Gellings, Dormie Weber, and Trevor Calewart are able to provide unique insights into its impact on the industry and beyond.
AEM: How did you get involved with FFA, and how have those experiences shaped your personal and professional development?
Weber: My involvement in FFA began when I was in high school and signed up for an agriculture class, but it quickly grew into something much larger. At the time, my dad was working at a dairy farm, and I would go with him to help do chores. Soon, I made friends with the family who had a daughter my age and began showing their cattle at the county fair. Those early experiences gave me an understanding and appreciation for the industry and strengthened my desire to be actively involved in agriculture and leadership.
Blades: I actually met fellow AEM staff member John Rozum during my time in FFA! We attended the same leadership conference because we were both FFA State Officers, and here we are all these years later working in the same industry because of our involvement with the organization. I think that current day, my leadership style is the way it is because of FFA. I focus on being a goal-driven, inclusive, servant leader, which are all things that I learned with FFA.
Rozum: FFA was my introduction to the world. As a farm kid who grew up adjacent to the middle of nowhere, FFA gave me opportunities to get involved in competitive speaking events, practical judging contests, and eventually leadership development that took me out of my small town and around the globe. I knew even at a young age that I wouldn't be staying on the farm forever, but that ag would always be a part of who I am. FFA gave me the opportunity to meet people, experience things, and expand my horizons beyond my county line.
It was all about being part of a team and giving back, and every activity along the way was a life lesson. Do things for the right reasons. Work hard. And win or lose, do it with grace.
Gellings: I first got involved during my freshman year of high school, not really knowing what FFA was but joining because I was a farm kid. My perception was that it was about farming. It really opened my eyes to what life beyond the farm could look like and helped to expose me to the fact that I could have a career off the farm in any area that interested me while still being able to remain grounded in agriculture.
Calewart: I got involved in FFA in high school, and I was lucky enough to attend a school that had a strong agriscience program. My teacher was heavily involved in FFA and brought the organization’s principles, activities, and lesson plans into each course. While I was unable to join after-school activities, my experiences during the school day showed me the vast avenues and opportunities that are available in agriculture. It also grew my respect and admiration for those who feed our world!
AEM: Why is it important for our industry to be aware of FFA and elevate the organization’s message?
Rozum: It's not an exaggeration to say that today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Many of those that came up in my era of FFA are now executives serving the industry - whether in corporate roles, government service, or back on the farm.
FFA has likely had an impact on every American ag company, whether they know it or not. Odds are you'll find leaders up and down the payroll that were FFA members who benefited from FFA's programs and services. Think of FFA as a self-selection tool for future leaders - support of FFA is a pretty solid investment.
Gellings: It’s important to continue to shape the next generation of leaders, especially within agriculture, as more and more folks become removed from the actual production of food, fiber, and fuel. FFA is grounded in grassroots engagement at all levels of the organization, and in order to continue providing the next generation with the skills they need to thrive after high school, awareness and support of the work that FFA is doing is critical. But it’s not just about being aware, it’s about getting involved as well.
Blades: Every AEM member is hiring right now, and people that come from an FFA background are highly employable. The FFA has a proven track record of equipping folks for the future, whether on the leadership side or on the career side. In schools across the nation, FFA can fill gaps that things like shop class used to fill. It also provides an alternate path to college, for those who may not want to go directly to a university.
Calewart: A career in agriculture is not dull, dirty, and dangerous as many believe, and FFA champions that. FFA continues to empower the next generation of leaders and showcases the countless careers available in our industry. Attracting people to our industry is important – especially considering today’s workforce challenges.
Weber: Between my hands-on experiences, leadership and learning opportunities I gained through FFA, the organization didn’t just influence who I am, it helped build the foundation for how I show up every single day. FFA gives structure to skills that are already being built. Through leadership roles, competitions, hands-on learning students learn how to be a part of a team and lead with a purpose.
AEM: In what ways do you support or participate in FFA currently?
Gellings: The biggest way that I, along with AEM, continue to support FFA is by taking every opportunity to build awareness and try to encourage all types of engagement both through AEM and on an individual basis.
Calewart: AEM has a strong relationship with FFA, and we continue to find ways to get our members involved. Last year, we launched our Youth Industry Engagement Council which has the overall mission of connecting AEM members to youth organizations and vice versa. That group is made up of passionate individuals who work to engage with FFA and position AEM and our members as a resource for students and teachers alike.
Blades: My wife and I both have an FFA background, and we’re major financial contributors to the organization. We think that it’s important to give to causes that we believe in, and FFA has a mission and a meaning to us that we wholeheartedly believe in. I also serve on the corporate sponsors board representing AEM, affording me the ability to shape some of the programming to make sure it aligns with the needs of AEM. I also work regularly with FFA alumni that I knew when I was in the organization, and many work for AEM member companies, are on our Ag Sector Board, or work at another industry association.
Rozum: One of my favorite annual activities is serving as judge for the Wisconsin FFA Sales contest each April. It's an event that I've judged almost every year since I was in college. I still see many of the "kids" I saw come up through that program as they progress through their careers in the industry. It's always fun to see someone come back to the ag industry.
AEM: Why is it important for young people in ag to get involved in FFA?
Gellings: FFA has the ability to not only build tools and skills, but it opens up so many pathways in terms of exposure to both experiences and people.
Calewart: Whether they have an ag background or not, young people should look to FFA to learn real life skills and experience the people, science, and technology that goes into feeding our world. They will learn valuable lessons and meet people that will positively impact the rest of their lives. It does not matter if you grew up on a farm or simply like plants or animals, all are welcome and I couldn’t encourage it more!
Rozum: It's more important than ever for students to know where their food comes from and gain an understanding of the science of food production. Just as important is the personal development aspect. FFA can give you the tools to succeed no matter where your career takes you.
Weber: It’s important for young people in high school, regardless of an agriculture focus, to get involved in FFA because it gives them confidence, leadership skills, and real-world experiences they need to succeed. Being in FFA showed me firsthand how much growth happens when you’re surrounded by people who share your passion and push you to become the best version of yourself.
