From classrooms to careers: Why Oregon FFA matters

In a state where agriculture remains the cornerstone of our economy and culture, Oregon FFA has been cultivating the next generation of leaders for nearly a century.

But FFA is about more than just cows and plows. The organization once known as “Future Farmers of America” changed its name to “FFA” in 1988, reflecting a shift from strict agricultural education more broad career development.

Whether a student wants to get involved in farming, run their own business or dive into public service, FFA teaches valuable skills like teamwork, public speaking and parliamentary procedures that will prepare them for life after graduation.

That is why it was so disheartening to see Oregon FFA stands to lose up to $1.1 million – nearly three-quarters of its 2024 revenue – in state budget cuts. Without this funding, hundreds of students in Hermiston and across the state could lose access to FFA programs while also limiting the ability for FFA advisors to support students and their projects outside of regular school hours.

The data show that FFA and other career and technical education programs have been a major boost to Oregon’s high school graduation rates. Statewide, the graduation rate for all students in 2023-24 was 81.3%. For CTE participants, the rate jumped to 90.3%, and for CTE concentrators the rate was an incredible 97.7%.

Outside of a traditional four-year degree, CTE gives students the tools they need for careers in trades along with general skills that make them attractive candidates for any job they might pursue.

State funding for Oregon FFA was most recently re-established by lawmakers in 2019. That year, House Bill 2444 allocated $1.43 million to the state Department of Education in part to finance enrollment for low-income students whose families couldn’t afford the membership fees. That led to FFA enrollment here in Hermiston nearly tripling, from about 220 kids to 600.

What these kids experience through Oregon FFA is truly remarkable. The organization offers 29 different leadership and career development events each year, most of which are team contests that prioritize communication and cooperation.

Spring Break Day

Join Lane County 4-H for an educational, hands-on Spring Break McKenzie day camp and learn, build and work together to explore science and arts & crafts for youth grades K-8. The 2026 4-H McKenzie One Day Spring Break Camp will be held in the McKenzie High School Gym, 51187 Blue River Dr. from 9 am to 4 pm on March 26. Oregon State University is one of only three land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the United States. OSU supports educational opportunities for kids across Oregon by teachi1ng agriculture and animal science to over 10,000 Oregon kids each year. Today, Oregon 4-H’ers can learn about rocketry, robotics, entomology, honey bees, forestry, art, conservation, and more. The cost is $10 for 4-H members and $15 for non-4-H members. A light breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided (campers should bring a water bottle). Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by Mar 20, 2026 to Melinda Garcia: melinda.garcia@oregonstate.edu or 541-844-0129

We hear from employers in our community who actively seek out FFA participants to hire after graduation because their professionalism, confidence and cordiality sets them apart. As the common refrain goes, “You can always tell an FFA kid by listening to them speak and how they present themselves.”

Why, then, would we want to choke off access to an organization that we know is helping students graduate as it prepares them for life beyond the classroom? When you reduce opportunities for students – especially those like FFA that help them to complete their high school education – it creates an uncertain future, particularly in our rural communities.

Along with increasing enrollment, state funding for FFA ensures that our dedicated advisors and agriculture teachers can work year-round supporting Student Agricultural Experience projects. These can range from research projects to full-fledged student-run businesses.

For example, a student might start their own livestock breeding program, with sales going to support their college education. The level of commitment demonstrated by both students and their advisors is exceptional, and worthy of the state’s investment. We need leadership in our schools, our communities, and our state, and FFA helps grow the citizens we want leading us in the future.

The Legislature that created Oregon’s current FFA funding model recognized its essential role in sustaining career and technical education and our agricultural workforce. While we understand the budget pressures lawmakers now face, cutting this funding would be a step backward with lasting consequences for our workforce, our communities, and our food systems. FFA is an investment that works, and one Oregon cannot afford to abandon.

Tricia Mooney is superintendent of the Hermiston School District, the largest district in Eastern Oregon with more than 5,300 students. She also serves as Vice Chair of Oregon’s Quality Education Commission and is a member of the AASA’s National Women’s Leadership Consortium, where she mentors aspiring female leaders.

Tricia Mooney is superintendent of the Hermiston School District, the largest district in Eastern Oregon with more than 5,300 students. She also serves as Vice Chair of Oregon’s Quality Education Commission and is a member of the AASA’s National Women’s Leadership Consortium, where she mentors aspiring female leaders.