In todays world and economy, we can all agree that there is an intense need for education of agriculture among our youths. Luckily, in Union County, there are many volunteers and organizations working in the right direction to get the younger generations exposed to the world of ag.

During the pandemic, a group of community members came together to engage community and ag partners as well as FFA members and Alumni from across the generations to became active in upbringing a new-found FFA Alumni and Supporters group to the county. The group of avid ag friends voiced the importance of educating, and moreover supporting, any student that may be interested in the agriculture industry. Starting in January the members began meeting quarterly to build ideas and goals as a collective.

In order to represent the Horace Maynard FFA club at events and competitions, the student must wear official dress which includes the infamous blue corduroy jacket. When a student first becomes active, it may not be an investment to jump straight into to purchase a jacket of their own. So, over the years, graduating members and others have donated their jackets to the chapter to be loaned out for these such events. Although very appreciated and extremely well used, many of these have become faded and worn. In response, first order of business from the alum and supporters group was to purchase a chapter set of the FFA jackets to alleviate barriers for students wanting to participate in these events. Through member donations this has taken place and the jackets are hoped to be received in time for students to utilize them at the upcoming spring competitions.

Upcoming, you are invited to the next scheduled discussion and meet on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 beginning at 6:30 pm in the Ag Classroom at Union County High School, park near the greenhouse. At this meeting you can become involved in the initiative as well as begin planning the first Fundraising Kickoff Event scheduled for Saturday, July 30, 2022. This event will begin raising funds for potential scholarships invested in community ag students, which is an inaugural goal voiced by the members.

The third quarter meeting will be considered the Annual Meeting and be held each year prior to the UCHS Patriots Homecoming Football game. Many of you can recall this to be a tradition for Horace Maynard FFA having a pregame tailgate party, stop in and reminisce!

So, you are a supporter of ag and ag education but you were never a member of Horace Maynard FFA. That is not a factor. The intent is for this to be an invitational setting for Horace Maynard and all other FFA Alumni members, parents, stakeholders, farmers, 4-H alumni, teachers, officials, volunteers . . . you get the idea, it is open to the public and encourages anyone with an interest in agriculture to become involved. Do you eat, drive, wear clothing? Then yes, your support is needed! Be at the April meeting to ask questions, offer support, and help grow the future of agriculture.

Show up for meetings with your best first foot forward to become involved. Reach out to your ag supporters and ask them to become a part of this group with you. Follow the Facebook page for reminders and upcoming events. If you do have any questions feel free to reach out to that page, Advisor John Fugate, or Vice President Allison Campbell 865-680-1135.