Why your support of Agriculture Education and FFA continues to be important!
| Financial support for Agricultural Education and FFA has been significantly cut in federal/state budgets over the past few years which has resulted in the financial burden to provide quality FFA programs being passed on to students through higher FFA membership dues. Nearly 50% of students enrolled in agriculture programs in Washington are on free and reduced lunch. This financial hardship on families often limits student involvement in FFA. |
Past State FFA officers, Danyelle Cavidini and Brianna Tasker with Washington State Agriculture Director, Dan Newhouse, at the Washington Cattleman's Convention in Cle Elum. |
Many current leaders in Washington’s agriculture industry received their initial leadership training in FFA. During his high school days, Dan Newhouse, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, participated in numerous leadership activities as a member of the Sunnyside FFA Chapter.
Simply put, Agriculture and Natural Resource programs in the state of Washington are designed to provide the most productive, articulate, creative, problem-solvers among our high school graduates. For those of you who were enrolled in high school agriculture and the FFA, you understand the core concepts of career exploration, practical “hands on experiences” and personal development.
How can your financial support of the Washington FFA Foundation promote the Agriculture Industry?
One of goals of FFA is to play a major role in training and encouraging high school graduates to enter into one of the many exciting and challenging careers in the agriculture.
In order to maintain high quality FFA programs, the FFA Foundation is seeking contributions which will be used to fund designated programs including:
- State Career Development Events/National Career Development Competitions
- State Leadership Activities/State Proficiency Awards
- FFA Scholarships
- State FFA Officer Travel
- State FFA Foundation Trust Fund
I am encouraged by the support the FFA Foundation received from individuals, commodity groups, agriculture organizations this past year. Your continued support is essential. Ask a friend to join in the campaign to support Washington FFA members!
Please send your comments and/or questions regarding any of our programs to me at info@washffafoundation.org.
Best Regards,
Stewart Padelford
Executive Director
Washington FFA Foundation | 
