What Does FFA Stand For?

            What Does FFA Really Stand For? This is a question I’ve found myself answering many times, and it has prompted me to reflect on what those three letters mean to me. While many people still associate FFA with its original name, Future Farmers of America, the organization officially made a shift away from that in 1988. This shift got me thinking: what could FFA stand for in a more personal sense? 

For me, the first F represents Friendship. Some of my closest friendships have blossomed through FFA. Without this organization, I might never have met some truly amazing people who have enriched my life in countless ways. The bonds we form during events, meetings, and competitions create a unique camaraderie that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. 

The second F stands for Family. This concept resonates deeply with me, especially when I recall the Chaplain’s words during my chapter’s opening ceremonies: “In the FFA, we are one big family who loves each other.” These words have made me reflect on the importance of our community. FFA is not just about individual members; it’s about the collective support we receive from each other and our surrounding community. Without this network, we wouldn’t be the thriving organization we are today. To me, that community embodies the true spirit of family.

Finally, the A symbolizes Adversity. Throughout my time in FFA, I’ve faced my share of disappointments—whether it was not performing as well as I hoped in a contest, missing out on a desired office, or running for district and section director only to come up empty-handed. Yet, these challenges have taught me the value of perseverance. Each setback has only deepened my love for FFA and strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward. 

In conclusion, while FFA may officially stand as an acronym, its true meaning goes far beyond that. For me, it embodies friendship, family, and the lessons learned through adversity—elements that have shaped my journey and continue to inspire me every day. What does FFA mean to you?

Find FFA's meaning,

Garrett Bolin

Indiana FFA State Sentinel

The Ferguson Family

“Home is where the heart is.” We have all heard this expression making it easy to believe it is overused. I remember hearing these words and thinking to myself “Yeah right. Home is where my family is, and my family is in Earl Park, Indiana.” I never believed I would find a home anywhere other than where I grew up.
That was until I stepped onto Oklahoma State University’s campus during spring break of my junior year of high school. When I got out of the car I felt a sense of excitement that I had never experienced before. At that moment, I knew this would be the best college visit I would ever experience.
As I toured the campus, I noticed a few things: the beauty of the buildings, Boone Pickens Stadium, the world’s largest student union, and the people. The people at Oklahoma State make this university more than any other college. Students would smile at you as they passed you on the street, hold the door open for you even when it inconvenienced them, and speak about their school with genuine love and pride. I soon recalled the handwritten note I received in the mail after I visited the OSU booth at National Convention. The people in Stillwater are through and through the nicest and most sincere people you will ever meet. 
The last stop of my tour was the Ferguson College of Agriculture. While I was there, I met with two ag ambassadors who tailored a tour specific to my interests. I wasn’t a number. I was special. As the ag ambassadors talked about Oklahoma State, they stated that the College of Agriculture was more than a collection of majors. It is a family. It is the Ferguson Family.  At that moment, I knew I found a home in Stillwater. I knew I belonged in the Ferguson Family. 
The Ferguson Family is more than just a college. It seems wherever I go, whatever livestock show I am at, FFA event, or agriculture conference, there is someone who always loves Oklahoma State as much as I do. These are the people I can count on for help and support because that is what families do for each other.
Home is not a place. Home is where there are people who make your heart feel like it belongs. Find your people.
Go Pokes!Stephanie BerendaIndiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

The Eye of the Storm

December is a whirlwind of celebrations, holiday stress, and endless to-do lists. February often marks the return of life’s chaos. But between those months in January–the eye of the storm, a chance to feel calm, reset, and have an empty slate.
To me January is peaceful; I love getting the chance to sit by the fireplace, watch Criminal Minds, and curl up with my heated blanket while the snow is falling outside. It’s a chance for me to refresh myself after a month full of stress while momentarily ignoring the impending future that is February.It feels like a moment of quiet between lightning and thunder—a rare second to simply breathe.
I often want to linger in the peace that is the month of January, ignoring both sides of the storm: past and future. But I have to remind myself that the eye of the storm isn’t just a pause–it’s an opportunity.
An opportunity to push myself, to grow, to reflect on what I have done and what I want to achieve, and to take action on those insights. A chance to make new connections and nurture old ones. Most importantly, an opportunity to embrace life. Reflection often begins with gratitude—take a moment today to write down five things you’re thankful for, big or small. It’s a simple step toward embracing the good while preparing for the challenges ahead.
Reflect on the past, embrace the future, and enjoy the calm.
Embracing the eye of the storm,Christina CaldwellIndiana FFA State Secretary

184 Days of Making Memories… and Counting

Thank you. All I have to say is thank you. I cannot believe it has been six months since being elected as the 2024-2025 Indiana FFA State Reporter. When I was elected, I was overwhelmed with emotions; I was scared, excited, proud, and even upset. I was upset for the candidates that I wouldn’t serve alongside, scared of what the future held, and I was overflowing with excitement for the journey ahead. And most importantly, I was proud of how far I had come and how hard I had worked for the opportunity to serve the members of Indiana FFA.

As we pass the six month mark of our state officer year, I can confidently say I have made many special memories in just six months and so many friendships that will last a lifetime. From my favorite camp memories, to district kickoffs, FFA members are the root of every special memory. On difficult days, walking into classrooms and being able to connect with members from all over the state make every hard day worth it. When I'm feeling unmotivated or stressed, knowing that I get to serve something bigger than myself always keeps me going. So, Indiana FFA, I thank you for all of the special memories that I will forever cherish from the past six months and I cannot wait to see what the next six hold! 

With gratitude, 

Sienna Alexander 

Indiana FFA State

Dear 2025

I hope you bring me joy and lots of laughs

I pray you take care of my family and keep them in a close grasp

I wish for nothing but the best in the next year of my life

But even if you can’t hold your end of the deal and some things may sting

I will still appreciate the growth that the season will bring

I know the experiences will be worth while 

Even if some of them don’t make me smile

 I’m excited for the planned and unplanned of the next season

Just please throw them at me with good reason

I welcome you with open arms 

And pray for a good year of planting and harvest for all farms

Bless the land and all it grows

So that I can thank you whenever the wind blows

Watch over our country and all those who serve

Shine a bright light over us that we can observe 

2024 will be hard to beat 

Since everything I did was just so so sweet

I will dearly miss what last year gave

But so thrilled for my new road to be paved

Looking to 2025,

Ky Baker

Indiana FFA State Treasurer