FFA members at State Leadership Conference with alumni Ben Aguirre, '07.

School has started and students have settled into their classes. I thought I would sit down with teacher and Fillmore FFA advisor Mr. Joe Ricards to find out what a student interested in agriculture can expect. Mr. Ricards explained that as freshman, students start off with Ag 1 which is Agriculture Careers and Technology. In this class students explore different aspects of the agriculture industry including agriculture careers, animal science and horticulture.

Freshman are introduced to the FFA organization and begin attending leadership activities such as the Greenhand Conference. The greenhand award is the first degree an FFA member can achieve on the way to attaining the elite American Degree. Freshman can also compete in the Best Informed Greenhand competition which will be held in Camarillo on November 3.

For sophomores, it is recommended to take Ag 2 which is Agriculture Biology with Mr. Kirk Richter. Students continue their FFA education by attending the Made For Excellence Conference which focuses on time management, self esteem building, motivation and positive attitude. Sophomores also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as public speaking, job interviewing and tractor competitions.

Juniors should take Ag 3 or 4 which is Plant and Animal Science. They will attend the Advanced Leadership Academy which is a conference where students will learn interviewing skills, verbal communication and presentation techniques. They also have the opportunity to be on various judging teams, and run for office.

Seniors can take Ag 4 or the Agriculture Fabrication class which is a Regional Occupation Program (ROP). In the Ag Fabrication class, students learn construction and welding skills. After talking with Mr. Ricards, I realized the many opportunities available to Fillmore High School students interested in agriculture. I also realized that in these classes, we not only learn about agriculture, but learn life skills like public speaking, time management and critical thinking. I encourage all students to look at what the Fillmore High School Ag department has to offer.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter