When I was in high school I did not understand what the big deal was with the people in the boots, jeans and blue jackets. They all seemed to hang around each other and talk about the same stuff. So, being immature high schoolers, we made fun of what we didn’t know. We made up creative, and crude, little remakes of their acronyms and joked about how dumb they looked wearing coats in the summer. Obviously, hindsight is 20/20 and I was in the wrong.

As I grew older I met, and befriended many people who were passionate about this organization. If you haven't figured it out by now, it’s the FFA. I’ve learned so much about the FFA in recent years - especially since I started working in AM radio where half of what we do is farm reporting. I have an immense, newfound respect for FFA, and what it can do both on and off the farm. This past week was the Illinois State FFA Convention, so i thought getting some more information for myself, and my readers, from someone who knows the FFA very well would be both informative and entertaining. Thus, I interviewed an outstanding FFA member who held multiple elected positions during her time in FFA. She is also a close personal friend of mine. I present my interview with Kassie Maierhofer:

Jack Jones(JJ) : What attracted you to the FFA?

Kassie Maierhofer (KM): I don't really know what actually attracted me to be honest. My uncle is an Ag teacher and FFA advisor. I grew up going to our high school's FFA banquet every year. When I was 5 years old he put me on his desk and told me to explain photosynthesis to his students (I did). I watched year after year, class after class, blue jacket after blue jacket express their belief in agriculture, excel in the field, and grow before my eyes. By the time I was able to join, it wasn't even an option for me.

JJ: How long were you involved with FFA?

KM: Technically, at the high school level, 4 years. But like I said before. I at have gone to every Seneca FFA banquet for 18 years. This was the first year that I missed because I was away at school. Thankfully my FFA career didn't end in high school though. I'm pursing a career in agriculture education to become an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.

JJ: What could someone, like me, who has never been involved with Farming do in FFA?

KM: One HUGE misconception about FFA and agriculture in general is that it's all farming. As we like to say, it's not all sows, cows, and plows. The agriculture industry itself is much more than just farming alone. Anything that can even relate to the production, distribution, and marketing of food and fiber can be classified as agriculture. Many people don't think of business when they think agriculture, however that's a large component of it. Agribusiness classes and contests aren't just educational for the student, but also benefit the student in the future, whether they chose a path in agriculture or not. Veterinary classes and contests are offered as well. I found horticulture and landscaping classes to be extremely advantageous to students who plan to have their own homes and be in charge of the up keep of the grounds.
The possibilities in agriculture and FFA are endless. There truly is something for everybody.

JJ: What would you say to those who discredit the FFA?

KM: Reach out to your local chapters. Truly get to know your members and advisors on a personal level. There isn't a place where you will meet more motivated and hardworking young adults. The FFA has produced thousands of successful individuals that have come for many different walks of life. These individuals are currently out there positively impacting the world. If you have negative thoughts about the FFA, I urge you to learn more about it. These members want to share their story. Let them share it with you. Get the truth.

JJ: What would you say to current high schoolers about FFA?

KM: You may not realize it now, but that smelly old jacket (the one that's too hot in the summer and not nearly warm enough in the winter) will soon become your most prized possession. That jacket will carry you through the best and worst times of your life. You'll sink the lowest and raise the highest in the corduroy. Wear it with immense pride. Enjoy every second you have. You have chosen to become part of something that has the ability to change your life forever: let it. Give everything you have to the FFA and it will give you everything in return.

JJ: How would you say FFA has helped you in current life, including in non-Ag situations?

KM: Coming in to high school as a freshmen I was shy. I didn't know very many people. That all changed through FFA. I received numerous opportunities to not only speak in public, but also compete in public speaking events for FFA. All of my fears of public speaking are now gone. I made friends from all over not only the state, but also the nation. My network expanded tremendously. I can drive the entire length of the state and I have a contact in every county thanks to FFA. I know if I ever break down, I'll have someone to call.

I received the opportunity to travel to Washington DC with the FFA and visit some of our national monuments. I've gone to more leadership camps and conferences than I can count. I've learned how to be a team player, how to take control when necessary, and how to allow others to take the lead. I've learned how to pick out the best cuts of meat from the grocery store and how to properly cook a pork chop. Because of FFA I can use power tools, weld, change my tire and jump my car. I can talk to just about anyone about anything for any length of time thanks to FFA. My experience in FFA has given me life skills to make me sufficient and personal skills to make me successful.

JJ: What was your favorite FFA memory?

KM: I honestly do not have a favorite memory. Ask any FFA member and they'll probably tell you the same thing. I could tell you stories for hours and fill a book with all of the things that have happened to me and in four years time, but to pin point just one thing would be impossible. I just know this, anytime that I walked into that Ag shop I knew I was bound to have a good time. That Ag shop was the bright spot of the day. That Ag shop was home.
So, there you have it. If you have ever talked badly about the FFA or just didn’t know enough information about it now you know. I hope this interview has given you a new look at boys and girls in the blue jackets. I know I certainly have.

(BIG THANK YOU TO KASSIE FOR THE INTERVIEW!)