Stepping Up for FFA Week

By Dean Larry Gossen, Ph.D.

 "It’s up to Us!” is the theme recently announced for the 95^th Nebraska State FFA Convention. It also perfectly captures what we see here at NCTA as we all prepare to celebrate FFA Week on February 18-25^th.

As a former FFA advisor myself, I have a special place in my heart for FFA week. It’s always a great chance for members to get engaged with all kinds of events and activities and exhibit their leadership abilities.

For example, three of our dynamic Collegiate FFA members recently stepped up to assist with a Career Development Event (CDE) in Grand Island. They represented NCTA and our nine-member collegiate chapter very well and were photographed and thanked publicly on the Litchfield FFA Facebook page.

In addition to being a vital part of the many FFA CDE District 11 events we host here, the NCTA chapter will attend FFA Day at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic during FFA Week, assist with the Frontier County Invite contests in Eustis later this month, and at the Nebraska State FFA Convention.

In the grand scheme of FFA as the nation’s top school-based youth leadership development organization, I see the participation in our region as nothing less than phenomenal. The FFA Advisors/Ag Educators have growing chapters and a heavy workload. They need to be celebrated and supported every week, not just one!

The high school FFA members are thriving as FFA helps them understand the new agricultural challenges, encourages them to develop their unique talents, and explore broader interests and career pathways. I believe they are the next generation of leaders who will change the world for the better!

The month of February is also Nebraska 4-H Month and Career & Technical Education Month. These are interconnected organizations and fields of study so crucial to the needs of our agricultural workforce.

Learn how to support FFA Week on area chapters' social media pages and school event calendars. Join me in celebrating the impact of FFA by continuing to support the initiatives of area chapters and by attending their events.

Glow Big Red Thank You!

I couldn't be more proud of our community, our alums, and all who supported NCTA during the Glow Big Red campaign. Of all the organizations benefitting from the campaign, NCTA received the 9th most donations from 58 donors. I can't say thank you enough for the generosity of all donors, especially our dedicated campaign chairs, Ann & David Bruntz, and for the support of Rex & Heidi Hansen in providing gift certificates to the North 40 Chophouse. It was an impressive display of support.

NCTA Events: 

Feb. 18-25: National FFA Week 

Feb. 18-25: Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic in Kearney

Feb. 19-23: Western Veterinary Conference

Feb. 23-24: NE Women in Ag Conference in Kearney

Mar. 6: Discovery Days Tour at NCTA

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