Many FFA chapters across the country face recruitment and participation challenges each year. However, this year, Harlee Hainds, president of the West Central FFA chapter, says this has been a challenge like years past. Hainds explains that in the 2024-’25 school year, not only has there been increased activity with freshmen, but there are also more opportunities for junior high students to get involved.
“In past years, we have had freshmen shy away because it was something new and scary to them. But this year we have had a lot of freshmen actually want to be involved, so we are excited to see that happen,” says Hainds. “We have also just implemented a junior high Discovery Program this year, so that’s also helping incoming freshmen want to be involved, and it gets them going for when they go into competitions or not so lost or scared.”
Some activities members have participated in over the fall included volunteering for a vineyard, attending the National FFA Convention, and livestock judging contests.
