It’s no secret that our team is invested in helping future farmers and that we follow a philosophy of helping our young people. Our office has always advocated for and supported the Future Farmers of America Association and the Florida Farm Bureau. Our blog posts have focused on young farmers several times: Florida Young Farmers, and Florida’s Future Farmers are making a big impact on Capitol Hill. We are pleased to see we aren’t alone in our advocacy of young farming enthusiast and want to congratulate Lincoln Middle School in Manatee County for earning a national spotlight for agriculture.
The FFA chapter at Lincoln Middle School has been recognized as one of the five top agricultural science middle school programs in the nation by the national Future Farmers of America organization. Agriculture education has advanced tremendously over the past two decades. Students at Lincoln Middle School actually raise livestock for entry in fairs, maintain a greenhouse, raise tilapia and try participate in hydroponics and urban gardening. The school program also focuses on reducing landfill waste and creating nutrient-rich soil.
While there is no monetary reward for what the school and the children have accomplished, the benefits this program offers go beyond just what students learn academically. One student explained that the experience taught them nutrition, public-speaking, and responsibility.
Now it’s your turn, brag about your local school’s accomplishments in agriculture. We’d like to hear what’s happening in your community.
