An Untapped Resource

In 1928, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) was started as a way to train boys to work on the farm. Today, the group, known only as The National FFA Organization, has evolved into a resource that can serve the green industry by providing a pool of potential employees, many of whom have owned their own business by their late teens.

“The FFA operates within the local high school as part of the agriculture education department,” explained Jim Bishop, lead regional director, National FFA Foundation, Indianapolis, Ind. “From food science to the green industry, there are a variety of programs that students can participate in.”

Bishop related that through these programs, students learn the technical skills they’ll need to put into practice to be successful in the field. “They’re encouraged to take that knowledge out into the field,” Bishop advised. “Some start their own business while others work for a landscaping company.”

Of the 800,000 students who are currently enrolled in FFA programs nationwide, more than 400,000 pay the dues to become members of FFA, which entitles them to participate in competitions, testing their skill level in such categories as landscape installation and design.

Because it believes that the FFA is training future green industry employees, Bayer Corp., Kansas City, Mo., has supported the organization over the past 30 years.

“Bayer, which includes the crop division as well as professional care, has been sponsoring the FFA in some manner for 36 years,” related Jennifer Remsberg, turf and ornamental market manager. “But Bayer professional care took that commitment to a higher level in 2000.”

In 2000, Bayer sponsored an award for horticulture proficiency and has since added sponsorship of two more awards for proficiency in landscape management.  These projects are judged and awards are given at the FFA national convention each year.

“We really wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the future of the industry,” Remsberg asserted. “It’s part of our goal to be more than just a company that provides active ingredients for pest control. Through the FFA, we can build long-term relationships with young people who are knowledgeable, talented and dedicated to their futures in the green industry.”

Though almost half a million students nationwide are members of the FFA, Bishop advised that green industry professionals are not tapping this talent pool for potential employees. Part of the lack of interest might be due to the misconception of what FFA does and the type of students who are involved in it.

“In the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more students becoming involved who are from non-farm backgrounds,” Bishop remarked. “In fact, roughly 60 percent of the membership comes from rural and suburban areas.”

To help improve its image among the green industry, the organization changed its name in 1991, dropping the word “farm” from its official title. Further, a marketing campaign celebrating the organization’s 75th anniversary will be kicked off this fall, which Bishop hopes will further dispel this type of image.

To help facilitate a partnership between the FFA and the green industry, Bayer is currently working on developing a Web site that will serve as a conduit through which lawn care operators can come in contact with FFA students.

“One of Bayer’s goals is to increase that awareness – to provide another option for a lawn care operator in getting that assistance and help that they need,” Remsberg stressed. “We can do all the work in the world in getting these students involved in the proficiencies and the internships, but if we don’t close the loop [by offering the Web site], then Bayer has wasted its money.”

Remsberg said she expects the Web site to be up and running by summer.

In addition to those initiatives, FFA also offers a career fair that allows students and industry professionals to meet and exchange ideas.

Click here for more information on partnering with the FFA in your area or call 317/802-6060.

The author is Internet Editor of Lawn & Landscape Online.