By KEVIN NICOLAS
The Progress
Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapters from all over Nevada descended on Elko for the annual FFA Winter Leadership Training (WLT) conference last week.
Team officers and members participated in leadership meetings with the underclassmen of FFA learning how to make a “mission” and the upperclassmen developing the skills to have an “impact.”
Lowerclassmen’s “mission” lesson taught high school freshmen and sophomores how to plan and succeed in making a mission. Lowerclassmen also explored their values and beliefs when setting their mission. By the end of the lesson, it was hoped that students understood having a well-thought-out and successful mission is a key part of FFA’s mission in creating the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Upperclassmen, in their conference, learned how to create and implement an impact. Members, many of whom are officers, analyzed problems within their community and examined how such problems can be solved with an “action plan.” Upperclassmen also learned how to set realistic goals and how their strengths and weaknesses can be utilized in their community.
Creed speaking, prepared public speaking, and extemporaneous public speaking also took place at WLT. Creed speaking had students recite the FFA Creed, which is around 250 words, from memory in front of a panel of judges.
Prepared public speaking had participants study a topic of interest related to agriculture. Students often spend hours polishing and practicing their speeches to give their best speech possible to a panel of judges.
Extemporaneous public speaking had students present on topics related to agriculture, such as tariffs and trade deals, but students had no time to prepare for their assigned topic which was chosen randomly, testing student’s ability to present and process information promptly.
“I feel much more motivated and prepared to make a difference in my community,” said attendee Brianna Zarate of the Virgin Valley chapter. “I can’t wait to make a difference, I have an infinite amount of ideas of how I can have a positive effect on my agricultural community!”
