Texas FFA Members Advocate for Ag Education at the State Capitol

from Growing Our Future: A Texas Agricultural Science Education Magazine

Advocate for Yourself

24 M ore than 700 Texas FFA members took “Learning to Do” one step further by attending the 11th Annual Agricultural Science Education and Texas FFA Day at the Capitol. On February 25th and 27th, students had the opportunity to visit the state capitol in Austin to learn about the legislative process and how it relates to agriculture. Attendees witnessed state government in action and heard directly from those responsible for making changes in the state legislature, including Representative Brad Buckley, Representative Gary VanDeaver and Representative Trent Ashby. “This event is a great way to learn about the many opportunities for young agriculturists to get involved within our government,” said Faith Geistweidt, Fredericksburg FFA. “There are endless possibilities for me to have a voice in policy making at a young age.” Members had the opportunity to learn about leadership, civic engagement and empowerment during an interactive tour of the State Capitol. “It is crucial that students of all ages keep up with our political system and continue to make it known that everybody has a voice on the important issues being debated in our country,” said Octavian Roman, Gholson FFA Texas FFA Day at the Capitol has taken place annually since 2010. This experience provides agriculture students with insight on how the daily activities in the capitol “THIS EVENT IS A GREAT WAY TO LEARN ABOUT THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG AGRICULTURISTS TO GET INVOLVED WITHIN OUR GOVERNMENT.”

“Legislation and proposals cause a lot of social, environmental, and legal changes that affect millions of people, including students,” said Roman. “Over the next five to ten years I hope to join a local campaign, get more involved within my community, and one day run for public office.”

Additionally, this event provides students a platform to advocate for continued support of agriculture and agricultural education.

“As young agriculturists, it is important for FFA members to be active in government relations and policy to ensure sustainability in production agriculture and our food supply for many generations,” said Geistweidt.

AUSTIN HECK NAZARETH HIGH SCHOOL TENURE: 13 YEARS

WHY DO YOU TEACH AG?

I teach agricultural science to give students new opportunities outside of our small town. Some students don’t have a chance to see what else is out there in the word, or they are not aware of the vast opportunities agriculture has to offer outside of traditional farming. Our program provides those eye-opening experiences.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CLASSROOM MEMORY?

I have more than one favorite memory each year, and I’ve taught for thirteen years! From watching freshmen come in and learn the creed by themselves, to witnessing an 18-year-old build a 32 foot dovetail gooseneck by himself, to the students who come back after graduation to thank me for preparing them for college, I would never be able to pick just one.

WHY DO YOU BELIEVE THAT AG EDUCATION IS SO IMPORTANT?

Ag education is one of the few programs that teaches students more than TEKS. Without ag education, students are limited as to where they can learn speaking skills, confidence, and life lessons. Ag education, most importantly, teaches students their true capabilities and often what they want to do with their life.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FFA MEMORY?

Every day I arrive at work and am reminded of the memories made on countless road trips and competitions. I’ve watched a student who knew nothing about agriculture as a freshman become a part of a twotime national qualifying dairy cattle team, and helped a student with Asperger’s receive his Lonestar Degree. I’ve had a talent team competitor qualify for state four times and is now recording his own songs. Out of countless memories, it would be hard to pick a favorite.