 |
| CLICK HERE TO VIEW CURRENT ISSUE |
 |
| Best of NAMA 2026 |
|
 |
|
FFA CEO: AMERICA IS OVERLOOKING A TALENT PIPELINE WITH 1 MILLION MEMBERS
Jun. 29, 2026
 |
|---|
| FFA | | National FFA CEO Scott Stump and two FFA members pose with a snake during a hands-on learning experience. |
by Scott Stump, CEO of the National FFA Organization as it appeared in Agri-pulse
Washington, DC -- America, the land of opportunity, is at a crossroads when it comes to filling open jobs. While many employers across the country from all different industries and sectors report challenges in filling open roles, young Americans are having a hard time finding jobs to match their skill set, according to the American Society of Employers.
In this economic paradox reported by Congress.gov, many entry-level roles still require a few years of experience, while many eager, young workers are stumped about how to gain the 2-3 years of experience needed as they step into the workplace.
What many businesses, organizations and industries can overlook is a talent pipeline in America: agricultural education and the National FFA Organization. Once known as Future Farmers of America, FFA has grown and evolved into simply FFA to showcase the student leadership organization preparing the next generation of workers who will feed, clothe, fuel and sustain our world.
FFA is now the top school-based youth leadership development organization in the country, with more than 1 million student members through more than 9,000 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The next generation of workers to fill necessary roles in a variety of industries isn't just sitting in a classroom learning from textbooks; they are agricultural education students and FFA members getting hands-on, career-readiness training while still in middle and high school.
FFA transforms students' lives as an integral component of school-based agricultural education which is rooted in a unique combination of classroom curriculum, experiential work-based learning, and leadership development. More than 14,000 FFA advisors and agriculture teachers deliver an integrated model of learning, providing students with innovative, leading-edge education that enables them to grow into competent leaders.
Today, FFA is preparing student members for more than 350 agriculture and agriculture adjacent careers. FFA prepares members for an expanding set of careers from the farm gate as members become skilled in a variety of tasks and prepare for future careers as farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, food scientists, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many other career fields.
FFA members break down that barrier to entry-level positions as they learn and practice these necessary skills for several years before even graduating high school. One way members are gaining real-world experience and skills is through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which are student-led, instructor-supervised work-based learning experiences.
To read the entire Op-ed click here.
|
|
|
|
|
