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Growing our Generation enewsletter features insights and ideas directly from Ohio’s young farmers and food and agricultural professionals. Sign up to get this e-letter sent directly to your inbox once a month.

The National FFA Organization just celebrated National FFA week (Feb. 17-24), a week designed for students across America to come together in celebration of agricultural education and FFA, as well as conduct service-based activities within their communities. Ohio has a strong FFA heritage consisting of 329 chapters across the state with 29,089 members, according to the Ohio FFA Association. 

Rooted in Fairfield County Farm Bureau, Morgan Anderson worked her way up the ranks serving as the treasurer and president for Amanda-Clearcreek FFA and went on to serve on the Ohio FFA officer team as the vice president. In November 2023, Morgan was elected to serve on the National FFA officer team, serving as the Eastern Region Vice President. 

What are you looking forward to the most about being on the National FFA Officer team? 

The people! Students, business and industry representatives, alumni or educators. Like Farm Bureau, the National FFA is a grassroots organization that is only as strong as the people who invest in it. 

What projects/programs will you be involved with as you serve as the Eastern Region Vice President?

There are three parts to serving on the National Officer team. Serving on the National FFA Board of Directors; interacting and engaging with students, alumni, educators and supporters; and strengthening relationships with our business and industry partners. I will be facilitating workshops that bring leadership and knowledge to FFA members, delivering motivational speeches and serving as an advocate for the organization and industry. 

Recently, I was in Japan for the annual international immersion experience where we traveled along the coast of Japan and met individuals ingrained in Japanese agriculture such as tea harvesting and Wagyu production. We also met with our FFA’s sister organization, the Future Farmers of Japan (FFJ). 

How has your involvement in Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program helped you in your new role as a National FFA Officer?

In September 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the Young Agricultural Professionals Washington, D.C Leadership Experience where I was able to represent my local and state Farm Bureaus and advocate at the national level. It was a very formative experience because as agriculturalists, our work must be properly supported by legislation. We were able to do just that while we advocated for the 2023 Farm Bill. Ohio Farm Bureau’s Young Agricultural Professionals program provides opportunities to advocate for ample policy on the county, state and national level that governs farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists world-wide. 

The YAP program allowed me to enhance my understanding of agriculture and policy at a national scope, which in turn, allowed me to effectively communicate as a National FFA Officer candidate and now a member of the team. 

What did you do during National FFA Week? 

I split my time between Iowa and Colorado to celebrate the organization with students. I attended the Iowa FFA Foundation’s “Black Ties Blue Jackets” Gala and facilitated workshops in a few Colorado classrooms. 

What are the “hot topics” you will be advocating for as you travel the nation as an officer?

To me, the core of all advocacy begins with conversation. I am looking forward to having conversations regarding sustainable or regenerative agriculture because we as an industry have to think about it from multiple angles to help corporations and the government understand where the topics of increased profitability and sustainability for farmers intersect.

Another topic I am excited to dive into is talent acquisition. With food and fiber demands increasing around the world, the agricultural sector needs more talent in the workforce to meet the demands. I treasure my time in the classroom because it is the students in agricultural education classes who will be our next generation in the workforce. My role is to motivate those students to understand the civic responsibility to educate the public about agriculture. 

“I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds, achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturalists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.” – The FFA Creed 

The members that make up organizations like Ohio Farm Bureau, Ohio FFA and national FFA are the future of agriculture. Youth involvement is going to be a vital part of agriculture’s succession plan as these members will be on the front line working to bridge the gap between consumers and producers through effective programming and messaging in a diverse and rapidly evolving world.

Upcoming Events/Deadlines 

Represent Ohio Farm Bureau on the Ohio State Fair Jr. Fair Board. Applications are due March 1.

Ohio Farm Bureau Night at the Columbus Blue Jackets is March 16. Get tickets. 

ExploreAg offers immersive, free summer camps introducing students to careers in agriculture and STEM related fields. Applications are due April 15.

Applications for the YAP director position on the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation Board are due May 3 at 5 p.m. 

Applications to serve on the YAP State Committee are due May 3 at 5 p.m. 

Thank you for your service to the 2023 State YAP Committee: Derek Snider, Hannah DiVencenzo, Sara Tallmadge and Makayla Eggleton