McBee High FFA students represent S.C. at national convention

By: Special to The Messenger | SCNow
Published: January 07, 2009

BALTIMORE, Md. — A group of McBee High School students from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program represented South Carolina at the recent 2008 National Convention of NYFEA – The Association for Educating Agricultural Leaders.

The organization was able to host the Ag Communication Award program for young agriculture leaders.

Known as YALE (Young Agriculture Leaders Event) and sponsored by John Deere, the program provided 20-plus individuals with the opportunity to learn about the “ins and outs” of communication. It also allowed for extensive research in the careers available in the agriculture industry.

NYFEA was pleased to add this program to the menu of educational items that are available to help the next generation of young agricultural leaders understand that communication requires strategic thought.

McBee High School FFA members were invited to attend this leadership training session in Baltimore, Md., in December. Eight FFA members traveled to Baltimore to participate and compete with NYFEA members from around the country in their Ag Communication Award program.

This was a second year for the McBee FFA members to participate. Along with the ag communication training, members participated in tours of Maryland agriculture that included such stops as a chicken litter pelletizing plant, the WYE Angus plantation, modern chicken housing, and Maryland’s Eastern shore agriculture.

The Institute concluded with a “Salute to Maryland Agriculture Recognition” banquet that featured the Ag Communication Awards winners. Pat Earle is the FFA Advisor at McBee High School.

Sponsors of the McBee High FFA members included The NYFEA Institute, Chesterfield County School District and the McBee FFA Chapter.