About Plano FFA
Est.1938
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1928, the Future Farmers of America brought together students, teachers and agribusiness to solidify support for agricultural education. In Kansas City's Baltimore Hotel, 33 young farm boys charted a course for the future. They could not have foreseen how the organization would grow and thrive.
Since 1928, millions of agriculture students - no one knows exactly how many - have donned the official FFA jacket and championed the FFA creed. FFA has opened its doors and its arms to minorities and women, ensuring that all students could reap the benefits of agricultural education.
Today, the National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Now, the organization is expanding the nation's view of "traditional" agriculture and finding new ways to infuse agriculture into the classroom.
PLANO FFA
The Plano FFA chapter is a student organization for all students enrolled in agricultural science courses at Plano Senior High School, Vines High School, and Clark High School. Students pay a yearly membership fee and are able to participate in a variety of activities. Having a background or any previous knowledge of agriculture is not required. Through involvement in the FFA students gain skills that will last a lifetime through hands-on experiences, numerous scholarship opportunities, participation at the state and national level, and so much more!
OPPORTUNITIES TO FFA MEMBERS
ag mechanics/shop projects
Shelby Wheeler works with students wishing to create a small wood project (ie: shelf to hang on the wall, small table, stool, etc.) to show at the Collin County Show. Students with resources at home are welcome to complete the project on their own.
Time involved: Based on difficulty of project
Cost: Student is responsible for all lumber
For more information, e-mail: shelby.wheeler@pisd.edu
Floral projects
Abby Sandifeer will offer small arrangements that students can create at Jr. FFA meetings. The actual arrangement that will be made for the Collin County Show must be constructed 100% by the student (with limited parental assistance) at home.
Time involved: Purchasing supplies a couple days in advance of show & creating design the night before the show.
Cost: Student is responsible for all costs associated with design.
For more information, e-mail: abby.sandifeer@pisd.edu
livestock projects
All Agriculture Science Teachers work with the livestock show projects. The advisors select your animal and will provide all transportation needed, along with instruction of daily care. Students/families are 100% responsible for all financial costs associated with the animal project, as well as feeding/caring for the animal twice daily.
Livestock options:
-Market Lambs & Goats
-Breeding Sheep & Goats
-Pigs
-Cattle
Please read the descriptions below to see if livestock projects would be an area of possible interest for your student
lambs/goats
Your market lamb/goat would be a wether (castrated male). He would be shown at the Collin County Show. Then, would either be shown at the San Antonio Livestock Show in February OR the Houston Livestock Show the week following Spring Break. All market lambs/goats would be sold (& stay) at San Antonio or Houston.
Length of project:
Purchase -- June - October
Ends -- mid February OR mid March
Market lambs/goats could possibly be housed at the Heritage Farmstead Museum or the PISD project center near Clark Stadium.
Time requirements:
-20 minutes to feed before school
-Evening feed can be completed in 20 minutes as well. Although, at least 3 days a week student will need to walk lamb/goat for 20 minutes.
*Requires more time than a pig.
*Plano's most popular animal project.
pigs
Your pig would be a barrow (castrated male). He would be shown at the Collin County Show. Then, would be shown at the San Antonio Show (mid-February) OR Houston Livestock Show (the week of Spring Break). All pigs will be sold (& stay) at San Antonio OR Houston.
Length of project:
Purchase -- mid-September - early-mid November
Ends -- mid February - mid March
Pigs would be housed at the PISD project center near Clark Stadium & arrive at the beginning of November.
Time requirements:
-10 minutes to feed before school
-Evening feeding can be completed in 10 minutes as well. Although, at least 3 days a week student will need to walk pig for 20 minutes.
*Requires less time than a market lamb/goat.
*2nd most popular animal project behind lambs/goats.
Officer Positions
- A genuine desire to be a part of a leadership team.
- A willingness to accept responsibility.
- A sincere desire to work with all chapter members in meeting their leadership, personal and chapter goals.
- A commitment to lead by example.
- A knowledge and understanding of the chapter, state and national FFA constitutions, bylaws and programs.
- A working knowledge of parliamentary procedure.
- An ability to memorize the official ceremonies.