The Farmer’s Cow Celebrates the Future of Agriculture by Supporting National FFA Week Feb. 16-23

Farming is one of the oldest and most demanding professions. Modern agriculture is far more than tending livestock, planting and harvesting crops. It is a science, a business and an art to meet the 24/7 challenges of feeding a growing population. The Future Farmers of America (FFA) is a national youth organization dedicated to developing leaders and providing educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of farmers. The farm families of The Farmer’s Cow have long supported the FFA in its mission and are proud to celebrate National FFA Week February 16-23.

FFA Week brings national focus to the global significance and local importance of agriculture. In Eastern Connecticut, which is home to the six family-owned dairy farms of The Farmer’s Cow, regional FFA chapters fill a very important role.

Seven sons and daughters of the next generation of The Farmer’s Cow farm families are active in FFA.  As an organization, it is an important extension of the classroom programs that students at the Agricultural Science and Technology Centers around the state attend. FFA members participate in skill competitions, for example, that compliment classroom instruction and practical hands-on agricultural experiences.  Being part of a national organization provides local FFA students the opportunity to cooperate with other chapters across the state and around the nation.

Many of The Farmer’s Cow farm families have a long history of active participation in FFA. Past and lifetime members include Nate Cushman of Cushman Farms in Franklin, who in addition to being a State Officer, was the first and only National FFA Officer from Connecticut.

“FFA and the Vocational Agriculture program have been instrumental in instilling the qualities of leadership, knowledge, work ethic and integrity in young men and women for generations,” said Cushman. “The FFA experience was great for me, and today my nieces and nephews benefit from it in many ways. The Farmer’s Cow is fortunate to have so many of our youngsters interested in farming, and being members of FFA will help them succeed.”

To celebrate FFA week, WILI-AM radio is honoring FFA participating schools and students with special coverage on The Wayne Norman Show that will include interviews with local students, advisors and farm-related businesses. As a major sponsor, The Farmer’s Cow is proud to support programming that will bring greater awareness to how FFA members are learning to become tomorrow’s leaders of America’s number one industry.

For more information on The Farmer’s Cow visit www.TheFarmersCow.com , call (866) 355‐COWS, or email farmers@thefarmerscow.com.