National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Week is celebrated by FFA chapters all over the country each year. This is a week to recognize the impact that FFA has on its members and community. The Eaton FFA Chapter organized activities throughout the week of Feb. 18 through 25, to honor National FFA Week.

Tayla Wiedeman (24) said, “It is so important to connect with the community about what FFA is because agriculture is the future of our world. Without ag, we won’t be able to feed the growing country, so the more positivity that we can create around agriculture, the better.”

Although FFA Week was cut short due to President’s Day and a school snow day, the festivities did not stop. Each school day was assigned a theme: Tuesday was pajama day, Thursday was twin day, and Friday’s theme was to wear blue and gold. Students and teachers dressed to fit the themes each day of the week.

On Friday, the chapter hosted Eaton Elementary School for a petting zoo. Elementary students were able to interact with many different farm animals owned by FFA members. These animals included a cow, mini donkey, llama, goat, horse, hedgehog, rabbit, and chickens. As the elementary students interacted with the animals, the FFA members told facts and stories to the children about each animal. Ayla Ritchey (24) said, “My favorite part of the petting zoo was getting to interact with the little kids.”

By introducing the younger generation to agriculture, kids can create a basic knowledge of future career paths they might take. Wiedeman said, “We want to encourage the next generation to stay involved in agriculture, because as of right now, the average age of a farmer is nearly 60. We need the upcoming generation more than ever to ensure the survival of agriculture.”

Connecting with the community and the younger generation through National FFA Week spreads the importance of agriculture. The EHS Chapter reached the younger generation in hopes of continuing the industry.