In June of this year, the Illinois FFA will celebrate 94 years in existence. The Carmi Chaper of FFA is celebrating National FFA Week and enjoys robust membership in the form of 166 members according to John Lamp, the son of Marty and Meredith Lamp, and nephew of long time FFA Advisor Bobby Lamp. John, along with seven of his club officers joined Kiwanis Thursday afternoon to talk about the organization and share what they’re doing to celebrate the occasion.
Joseph Gates serves as the FFA President, Jaxen Albright is the VP, Chase Pringle is the Secretary, Chad Burnett is the Treasurer, Camden Crow is the Reporter, Eli Bryant is the Sentinel, and Ian Mosier is the Club Historian.
Among the club’s activities so far this school year, Lamp says the group has participated in Farmyard Follies, a Bow Shoot, Tractor Driving, Ag Sales, Job Interview, Dairy Foods activities and more.
Lamp describes some of the history of the organization
FFA was established in Kansas City in 1928. In 1969, women were allowed to join FFA and that number has grown significantly.
In 1988, what was the Future Farmers of America changed it’s name to The National FFA Organization. Lamp explains…
Lamp says there are 455 Ag Teachers in Illinois alone now. Just 8 years ago, there were only 370 so the field is still growing. Lamp also describes some of the classes he heads up.
He says Bobby focuses on more of the technical education including construction and welding.
Things are changing in Ag as well with the advent of new and newer technologies.
Activities this week to celebrate National FFA Week included Camo-Day on Tuesday, America Day on Wednesday, Blue and Gold Day was Thursday, and tomorrow (Friday) is Drive Your Tractor to School Day.
