Congressman Lucas Celebrates National FFA Week

Cheyenne, OK – Last week, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), co-chairs of the Congressional FFA Caucus, and Representatives GT Thompson (PA-15) and Jim Langevin (RI-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, introducing a bipartisan resolution designating February 19-26 as National FFA Week.

“As an Oklahoma FFA alum, I know just how important National FFA is to our communities’ young adults and future ag leaders in Oklahoma. FFA chapters across Oklahoma are actively fostering the next generation of leaders by teaching the skills and instilling the sense of service that they need to succeed, which is why I’m excited to join my colleagues in recognizing this week as National FFA Week,” said Congressman Lucas. “Thank you to the teachers, advisors, and parents who help provide young Oklahomans with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom, on the farm, and beyond.”

In addition to designating National FFA Week, the resolution also recognizes the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world and celebrates 70 years of the National FFA Organization’s membership magazine, now called New Horizons.

“The future is making strong demands,” said Rep. Mann. “By the year 2030, the global population is expected to surpass eight billion people. Now more than ever, we need young people with the foresight, creativity, and skills necessary to meet the challenges of delivering food, fiber, and fuel to the world. The National FFA Organization, state FFA associations, and local FFA chapters across the country give students the tools and resources they need to tackle those problems head-on. As a past chapter FFA officer from Quinter, Kansas, proud FFA alumnus, and founder of the Congressional FFA Caucus, I am honored to introduce this resolution to celebrate National FFA Week.”

“The National FFA Organization plays a critical role in shaping and educating the next generation of farmers, producers, and ranchers,” said House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson. “This resolution recognizes the importance of the FFA and its ability to expose students to a wide range of agricultural careers. Let us celebrate the past, present, and future FFA leaders who help young people develop their talents and explore their interests in the agriculture industry.”

“National FFA Week is an important week for members across the country, as not only do we celebrate the organization, but we share the message of FFA and agriculture,” said National FFA Advisor Dr. James Woodard. “During this week, FFA chapters across the country celebrate agriculture while thanking their supporters –whether it be their local alumni chapters, ag advisors or local businesses who support them. Today, FFA and agricultural education continue to play a key role in not only developing the next generation of leaders but also developing those who will be filling the ever-growing need in the talent pipeline. We are grateful to Representatives Mann and Panetta for supporting National FFA week and their continued support of our organization.”

Click here to read the full text of the resolution. 

###