GREEN BAY (NBC 26) — Despite the pandemic, area Future Farmers of America Chapters (FFA) continue to make a positive difference in students’ lives.
“This is from Thank a Farmer when we went to Culvers and we partnered up with them. And here we were raising bunnies,” said Madeline Hock, Vice President of Wrightstown's FFA Chapter
For Madeline Hock, Vice President of Wrightstown's FFA Chapter, she said it's unfortunate they’ve had to make adjustments as of a result of Covid-19.
As a high school senior getting ready to graduate, she said it’s very bittersweet she didn’t get the full experience her final year.
“These used to be plant beds and everything that lines the green house used to be too. We used to do in-class projects where we used to the grow plants but with covid we had to shut down the green house because we can’t social distance too,” Hock said.
As FFA recognizes the value in agriculture education, chapter advisor, Brian Pinchart said despite the challenges he’s continuing to invest in these young leaders doing what he can to make sure they continue to learn and grow.
“Education right here at Wrightstown is very science-y, very hands on, real-world experience so right out of the box we had to change our classroom procedures. A Lot more demonstration than hands on. The social distance definitely a challenge with the group work", said Brian Pinchart.
The program, a reminder to students that agriculture is more than farming and ranching, but that the industry as a whole can lead to careers in government, policy or management.
“A lot of people think that for farm to table products. But there’s so many FDA things that happen. And checking it and many farmers, and those who manage the farm”, said Mattae Burton, President of Wrightstown FFA Chapter.
