Mon, 18 January 2021
SHOW NOTES INTRODUCING TOBY WINANS!In 1988 the Future Farmers Of America changed its name to the National FFA Organization because of Toby Winans. Toby Winans was only born 18 years ago, and 1988 is 32 years ago, so how is this possible? Well, Toby Winans is the perfect avatar for the person that the National FFA Organization was thinking of when they changed their name to reflect the growing diversity in agriculture. What the FFA recognized in 1988 was that there were a lot of students in the United States that were devoted to agriculture but who did not have the aptitude or desire to do the ground level work of farming. However, these students loved agriculture just the same and had something to contribute with their particular skill sets. The name Future Farmers Of America could have the connotation of excluding these students because they already knew that they were not future farmers. Capturing the talents and devotion of students like Toby is important. If we can, we want to keep students with talent as he has in agriculture. We need people like him to stay around. This is probably why Toby's FFA advisor refers to him as an "FFA member who 'saved the year'". Here is a note that she sent me:
Toby loves agriculture, and it is this life that he has grown up around. However, he has natural talent and a passion for technology. So, his talents will direct him towards supporting farmers rather than being one himself. His talent was recognized early on, and he has been fixing computers, printers, and everything else technology-wise at his school since his freshman year. They even created a position for his particular talents, and he is the chapter's vice president in charge of chapter technology. Toby now has his own drone business. He is using his love of both hardware and software to help farmers be more successful. He scouts fields for his customers with his drone and the use of the "Drone Deploy" software. He sees a future for himself in agriculture with this being his role. Toby is the epitome of the student that the National FFA was thinking of when they changed their name. Amazing students like this are what drives everyone in every aspect of the FFA, and what drives me to conduct so many of these interviews every year.
Direct download: OFI_971__Why_The_FFA_Changed_Its_Name___FFA_SAE_Edition___Toby_Winans___Taylorville_High_School_FFA.mp3
Category:FFA -- posted at: 12:30am MDT |