Going Through The Agri Door

There are many reasons Ag classes may interest you. The possibilities are endless, from earning job opportunities to getting scholarships in many agricultural fields. You can be on judging teams, like poultry, land, and so many more.

Being in Ag means more than just a class. You’ll make memories and friends that will last a lifetime. A great memory I have is poultry judging, learning a lot about something I never thought would interest me. Teams are a great way to be competitive while also learning new things, and exploring all kinds of different opportunities. If you win state, you get to go to nationals in Indianapolis!

One of the best things about Ag is having great teachers. Mrs. Hale and Mr. Barenberg are amazing mentors and you will take away more in Ag classes than almost anything else in high school. If you want to have a headstart in any occupation where you’re going to get your hands dirty, take an agriculture class. You will learn so many useful things. Even if you are a city boy or girl you can take food science and learn how to cook. If you want to learn to weld, build, how to wire a lightswitch, or just learn to be part of a family Ag always has its door open.

As every student grows and emerges into high school, they find themselves trying to find a place to fit in. Regardless of where that place may be, you should feel at home. FFA was the place that welcomed me with open arms, and to call it home would be an understatement.

I quickly began to notice that the Lincoln FFA Chapter stood as one. There was no division. Whether you liked to study agronomy or judge livestock, it didn’t matter your interests. Everyone was included and they looked after one another.

FFA has given me countless opportunities to not only better educate myself about agricultural life but also to better myself as a person. I joined FFA my sophomore year and immediately my advisor, Mr. Barenberg, began encouraging me to join the floriculture team. I had always admired flowers so I figured why not give it a shot. And I’m beyond happy that I did because I had an absolute blast. Joining a team allowed me to travel all over the state of Arkansas to compete. That first year we qualified for state, and I was elated. Here I am in my senior year still planning to compete for floriculture.

I am beyond thankful for my advisors, Kevin Barenberg and Sarah Hale. They challenge me to be the best that I can be no matter what is thrown my way. I know I can always count on them to be there cheering me on and to offer me the best of advice. I couldn’t imagine my life without the Lincoln FFA Chapter.