NCGA’s Tolman Says Future of Agriculture is Bright Thanks to FFA (10-27-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) CEO Rick Tolman’s faith in agriculture is rarely shaken. But it always helps to have his faith get a boost from time to time. Tolman’s confidence in agriculture received such a boost when he attended the FFA national convention in Indianapolis this week.

“The convention really is a renewal of faith in the future of agriculture,” said Tolman. “The FFA members are working on the latest technologies and innovations in agriculture, and they really are excited about the future of agriculture.”

Tolman represented the organization at the convention as a judge on a panel to choose a winner in the “Grain Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency” category. The contest challenged FFA members to learn how to become grain producers, doing everything from acquiring land, working on conservation programs and making marketing decisions. The national winner will be announced on Saturday.

More than 50,000 FFA members attended the 79th annual convention. FFA is a national youth organization of 495,046 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,242 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“We are entering a new era of agriculture, and NCGA is working to bring more opportunities to rural America for younger people,” Tolman said. “It’s exciting to talk to FFA members about their passion for agriculture and hear about their desire to continue their family’s dedication to farming. The idea that younger people aren’t coming back to the farm isn’t true. It is alive and embodied in this conference.”

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.