By the time the introduction to the National FFA Convention finished on RFD-TV, I looked to my husband and said, "What was that?" I watched as young FFA members danced and flung their bodies, hair and arms all about. The graphics looked more like graffiti and the music was loud. My husband laughed and said, "You are just an old fuddy-duddy."

The last time I was an FFA member attending the National FFA Convention was more than 25 years ago in Kansas City, Mo. There were no light shows or video displays. Shoot, we were just trying to figure out how to get a slideshow to match the music on cassette tapes--country music that is.

So, when the National FFA Convention introduction looks more like an MTV video, the First Lady makes reference to the importance of agriculture by "planting a garden," and the USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden is moved to tears by an inner city FFA chapter in "Philly," I begin to wonder what direction is the nation's largest youth agriculture organization heading? And more importantly is it the right direction to foster future agriculture leaders?

Expanding FFA's reach

There is no doubt in watching this year's National FFA Convention that the organization is changing. But the FFA has a history of providing the leaders needed to move the agriculture industry forward. Will it be able to fill that need with its future members?

There are three areas that agriculture will need leaders in the future and expanding FFA's reach may just help.

1. Need for new technology. The technological advances in equipment, seed and chemicals continues to allow farmers to produce more on less acreage. And even greater demands will be put on the farming industry as the population grows. Who better than the FFA to reach the students and skillsets to meet the food needs of a growing world?

2. Need for consumer education. We need to reach the urban community with the story of agriculture. Who better than the FFA to train the next generation of consumers on how food is produced in America? Who better to share the farmer's message?

3. Need for diversity. Agriculture is not a one size fits all. It is made up of small, large, urban, rural, modern, traditional, crops, vegetables, GMO and organic farms. Who better to promote diversity in an industry than the FFA? I mean, really, where can you hear a talent show that includes a young man from Missouri playing the 1941 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B' on the harmonica followed by a young woman singing David Guetta's 2011 hit 'Titanium'? Only at the 88th Annual National FFA Convention!

Not your momma's FFA

While my view of FFA will always be grounded in rural America values and traditional production agriculture practices, I know that the FFA is an organization that appeals beyond the farm gate. In my own home, both girls were involved in FFA. Now, one is pursuing a career in Agricultural Education, while the other is focusing on Plant Biotechnology. And there is a need to attract more students to the agriculture industry and FFA.

I believe the FFA is heading in the right direction. It continues to offer members the opportunity to learn about agriculture, develop leadership skills and pursue careers to better our country. It brings out the best in our youth, both rural and urban. And for a few days in October, it makes for some entertaining television--even for this old fuddy-duddy.