By Cale Williams

Agriculture runs deep in my family. For five generations, my family has exemplified the value and importance of living an agricultural life. As a third-generation FFA member, I recognize the value that FFA has on setting me up for a successful future in both my collegiate and professional life.

Each year, the National FFA Organization hosts National FFA Week in February to celebrate the hard work and dedication that our members pour into advocating for agriculture and promoting the value of the agriculture industry.

Personal ties

Since being an FFA member is a tradition in my family, I have always been enthusiastic about celebrating National FFA Week. In fact, with a father who is a former agriculture educator and FFA advisor, I got an early glimpse of what FFA offered at a young age and always enjoyed spending time with the “cool” FFA members during National FFA Week.

When it was finally my turn to celebrate National FFA Week as a member, I encouraged my chapter to host a third-grade ag day, where we would teach younger students about agriculture and how it affects everyone. Additionally, I always enjoyed following along with countless other FFA members on social media to see how they celebrated National FFA Week.

From hosting a day of service to celebrating our FFA alumni and advisors, we truly take pride in recognizing the work that our members, sponsors and supporters do to continue making FFA the premier youth leadership organization.

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A special celebration

As an Indiana FFA state officer, I have the privilege of spending my National FFA Week with the 230 FFA chapters throughout the state. From conducting chapter visits to attending FFA Week celebrations with chapters to even having my birthday fall during National FFA Week, I am genuinely humbled and honored with the opportunity to celebrate my favorite week of the year with my 14,497 closest friends and fellow Indiana FFA members.

FFA truly exemplifies what it means to be part of a community. And National FFA Week allows our more than 1 million-member population to unite over a single cause: to celebrate our work as youth agricultural advocates in preparing ourselves to be the leaders of our generation.

I am truly proud of the work that our organization does to preserve the virtues of hard work and integrity while adapting to fulfill the needs of modern agriculture. As the FFA creed states, we strive to “hold true to the best traditions of our national life.” I am beyond excited to celebrate our rich history and promising future this National FFA Week.

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Williams is a 2024-25 Indiana FFA state officer. He writes from Trafalgar, Ind.