(Pictured: East Sac FFA at 2016 Leadership Program)
The 88th Annual FFA Leadership Conference in Ames wrapped up on Tuesday, April 19. This year’s conference set a record with 5,427 FFA student members from across Iowa attending. However, according to Joshua Remington, executive director of the Iowa FFA Foundation, the organization is looking at ways to address a major shortage of vocational ag instructors for these students.
In order to draw attention to the shortage and thank those with a desire to enter the field, organizational leaders have implemented a new way to recognize the importance put on these commitments. At this year’s conference, anyone interested in pursuing a career in ag instruction was brought forward and made their intentions public by signing a letter of intent; similar to what is done with sports commitments.
Remington added, this is also a way to shine a light on the unique individuals that embrace careers in agriculture education.
Remington says through his role, “He welcomes the challenge of securing needed resources to ensure that students in all of Iowa’s agricultural education classrooms have the opportunity to achieve their life goals.” For more information, contact Remington at:
Joshua.remington@iowaffafoundation.org.
