Wylie FFA

CULTIVATING TOMORROW’S LEADERS IN AGRICULTURE AND BEYOND

by Berry Stevens

Across the nation, chapters of the FFA, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, are leaving an indelible mark as students nurture animals, learn vital skills, and practice leadership. Within Wylie ISD, the local FFA chapters stand out for their unwavering commitment to exploring every aspect of this student organization.

Established in 1940, Wylie FFA has maintained a strong presence throughout the years. The commitment to agriculture is evident – the program and Wylie ISD own a 35-acre, fully operational agriculture center that can house about 200 animals each year. Some animals include goats, steers, lambs, pigs, and chickens.

“When I got here seven years ago, I was worried about the Ag program and if it was going to just blow away just because of urbanization when there's more concrete and less agriculture,” said Wylie ISD Executive Director of Career and Technical Education Jason Hudson. “You start worrying about if agriculture is going to hang on. To me, it is as strong as ever. Kids are interested in learning more about agriculture.”

Students in FFA have an abundance of responsibilities, including an early morning routine of driving out to the barn to replenish food and water and ensure their animal’s health. These tasks must be carried out regardless of the weather conditions, whether it’s freezing cold or if temperatures have soared to the triple digits. Students are taught these responsibilities from the outset, starting in the intro course, Principles of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

“Really what we are trying to do with the students out here is make them productive citizens,” Ken Nicholson, Wylie ISD’s agriculture coordinator, said. “A lot of that is through good old-fashioned hard work, dedication, and discipline.”

Throughout their time learning about agriculture in the classroom, students have the opportunity to further their education with courses such as Livestock Production, Veterinary Medical Application, Advanced Animal Science, and ending with Practicum.

“I feel we have a super strong classroom setting at both campuses which really feeds into the barn as a whole,” said Paige Burleson, WEHS agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “We had a lot of kids jump full force into it.”

One of the most important concepts taught is husbandry. Students learn the significance of keeping a clean pen, changing out water bowls, and documenting medications.

“We are going to have illnesses and we know that, but we want to try and keep them to a minimum,” Samantha Podlucky, WHS agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, said.

Wylie FFA is involved in many events throughout the course of the year. Students show animals at livestock shows and jackpot shows all over Texas, Wylie FFA hosts the annual Wylie Rodeo on its property, and there is a Wylie Show and Sale that allows the community to give back to the hardworking students.

“People in the community are not just investing because they raised an animal; they're investing into these kids because they've learned responsibilities,” Ken said. •