Future Farmers of America

Written by: Willow Stephenson 
 
At Pueblo County High School we value educating our students on agriculture. Many students are pursuing careers in the agricultural field and we hope to prepare them not only with the classes, but a club such as Future Farmers of America (FFA). FFA provides a variety of opportunities such as learning about agriculture, animals and home-economic topics. Our FFA instructor, Troy Mayfield said “We try to show students the variety of careers available in the agriculture industry and help them explore those careers through activities, projects and problems in and out of class. We also help them expand their network of contacts across the state and the nation.  I require all of my students to have an outside of school project that is related to a possible career path in agriculture, food or natural resources.”

 Mayfield creates a welcoming environment for any student and allows them to get the most out of their education. Junior Bailey Talton said, “My favorite moment in FFA was working at the fair and teaching others about what we do! But I also love every moment I get to even be in Mr. Mayfield’s room because it’s like a stress reliever of the day and I love being a part of everything with AG and FFA.”  Before describing Mayfield's wonderful classroom experience, Talton mentions working at the Colorado State Fair. This is an out of school activity FFA has been involved in, where they show off their club and everything within it at the State Fair. This showcases what County High is really made of- hard working individuals with unique and intelligent ideas. 

Overall, FFA is a terrific educational experience for any student who participates. Junior Sabestina Martinez explains the FFA experience. “ You can do whatever you want your future to look like, you can be an awesome leader in life, you can strengthen your weakness...you can have fun no matter what.” It’s undeniable that the future of the agricultural field is looking bright when we have students and mentors like these!