Local FFA chapters active in communities

FFA chapters throughout the country, including those in the Byron, Hayfield, Kasson-Mantorville, and Triton school districts, are getting ready to celebrate FFA Week. This year the event is February 18-25.

The group was founded in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America as a way to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population.

In the years since, the organization has changed and no longer is it just for students who want to farm. In 1988, the name was changed to FFA to reflect the growing diversity of agriculture. Many of today’s FFA members do not live on farms or desire to be production farmers but are looking at careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owner and more. Members still include future farmers but also future leaders in other areas.

Locally, all four area school districts have active FFA Chapters.

Two of those chapters, Hayfield and Triton, are planning special events for their communities.

Hayfield FFA members are planning a Burger Night for February 18 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hayfield. Chapter members will be serving burgers from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and there will also be bingo with prizes.

Triton’s FFA has scheduled its annual Steak Feed for Saturday, February 25, at Faith Community Church in West Concord.

In-person dining for both donors and the general public is from 5 to 8 p.m. with donor seating preferred from 4-5 p.m. Drive-through service is preferred from 4 to 5 p.m.

The menu includes sirloin steak, baked potato, corn, dinner roll, cookie, and beverage for $10 a meal. The kids’ menu includes hot dogs, chips, fruit snack, cookie, and beverage for $5 per meal.

All four of the local chapters are actively involved in regional, state, and national FFA activities and in the Dodge and Olmsted County Fairs as well as the Minnesota State Fair.

A Byron Chapter member, Anna Brennan, as a member of the Region Officer Team as secretary.