INDIANAPOLIS (August 22, 2023/National FFA Organization) – The Surry Central High School FFA chapter in Dobson, NC, has been awarded $5,000.00 as part of the Grants for Growing program. The nationwide program, sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, provides grant funds to local FFA chapters to support the development or improvement of agricultural education projects that enhance the classroom experiences for students through chapter engagement activities.
Surry Central High School FFA plans to use the grant to fund a project, “The Golden Heifer Project and Sale,” to learn many of the objectives in our curriculum that are relatable to the current desires and trends in animal agriculture today. This project will offer hands-on learning experiences with animals where students will learn about safety and responsibility during the animal handling processes, study reproduction, digestion, animal health, and growth. Students will gain insight into the multi-million dollar animal genetics industry and will receive the training necessary to replicate this project outside of school to generate their own income. At the end of the project, the bred heifers will be sold to raise money to support our FFA chapter and to complete similar projects again in the future.
The program provided approximately $870,000 to FFA chapters in 42 states. The Surry Central High School FFA Chapter was one of only 14 schools across North Carolina to receive funding for their proposal. Funding is provided through consumer donations made during checkout at a Tractor Supply Company store by purchasing a $1 FFA Paper Emblem. The fundraising period aligns with National FFA Week in February.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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About National FFA Organization The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.
About National FFA Foundation The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors, and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.
Provided by Sarah Johnson, SCHS FFA Advisor