By: Brittany Brown, Michigan FFA Foundation Board Member and Herbrucks Poultry Ranch Senior Pullet Manager

As we kick off the 2024-25 school year, it’s an exciting time for agricultural education and Michigan FFA. This year, we are thrilled to report that the Michigan Department of Education has documented an impressive increase in agricultural education, with 129 programs and 159 teachers statewide.

Expanding Programs and Opportunities
Several new programs have been introduced at Allegan Area Technical Center, Delton Kellogg High School and St. John High School. Additionally, nine student interns have been placed for the 2024-2025 school year in both full-year and spring positions, providing them with invaluable hands-on experience in agricultural education.

Supporting Our Educators
The Michigan agriculture, food and natural resources education team has been hard at work securing grants to enhance curriculum resources, ensuring they align with the new Perkins V standards. The team recently held a successful workshop on August 13 for new and early-career teachers, offering vital support as they embark on their journey in agricultural education. These resources and training opportunities are essential for equipping our educators with the tools they need to inspire and lead the next generation.

Celebrating Membership Growth
This year, Michigan FFA membership has soared to nearly 9,000 members. Our organization has also hosted nearly 3,000 members for state Career Development Event contests, showcasing the talent and dedication of our students. We proudly recognized 440 members with the Michigan FFA State Degree and 410 members with the Outstanding Junior Award last March, both of which saw increases of over 50 members compared to 2023.

A Bright Future Ahead
“The expansion of programs and teachers allows for more opportunities for students throughout the state. The future of agriculture, food and natural resources is truly bright because of these committed schools, communities and educators,” says Mark Forbush, Michigan FFA state advisor.

The enthusiasm and commitment of our FFA members, teachers and supporters have set the stage for a successful year ahead. We encourage all members to seize the opportunities that come with being part of FFA, whether through competitions, leadership roles or hands-on experiences in agricultural practices.