For Why Ag Wednesday this week, we spoke to our very own State Executive Secretary, Mr. Dave Wyrick. Why Ag Wednesday is all about what makes the agriculture industry special, and Mr. Wyrick is certainly qualified to speak about the industry. Working in agriculture education (as well as on his apple orchard) for more than 50 years has given him plenty of experience in agriculture and raising the leaders of tomorrow.

We asked what inspired Mr. Wyrick to be an agriculture teacher, and he explained how his involvement in FFA as a high school student set him on the agriculture education path. As a student, Mr. Wyrick particularly enjoyed contests and he wanted to share that enjoyment with future students. But he explained the role his parents had was equally important. Mr. Wyrick’s father was a farmer and his mother was a teacher, and it seemed agriculture education was the perfect fit for him!

When asked about his favorite part of his job as the Executive Secretary, Mr. Wyrick explained how working with the State Officers is the most rewarding aspect. In particular, he mentioned office hours, where State Officers spend at least four hours each week in the FFA Office. He mentioned how this gave him a way to speak to each officer and connect with them individually. On the subject of his favorite memory, he said “It’s watching kids grow each year. Some grow more than others. But no officer comes to us as a finished product, and no officer leaves as a finished product. When you realize you have a ways to go, you have potential–that’s when the growth happens.”

Lastly, Mr. Wyrick had some words of wisdom for not just FFA members, but for everyone: “A life of service is a life of significance. Service to others is the rent we pay for our existence on this planet.” No one embodies our theme, ‘Seek to Serve’, as much as Mr. Wyrick. As we head into State Convention week, and Mr. Wyrick heads towards retirement, we can’t thank him enough for his many, many years of service to the schools he’s worked at, the Michigan FFA, and most importantly, the students he’s made an impact on in more than 50 years of service. Mr. Wyrick, we hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement!

-Alex and Andy