FFA is a national organization based in middle school and high school that works to promote agricultural education and builds student leadership. Students who are enrolled in an Agriculture course at Monroe High School are automatically considered FFA members, meaning they can get involved without paying to join the club. The Monroe FFA chapter works to promote student involvement, help our community, and allow students to learn more about agriculture in a positive environment. The chapter participates in many local, state, and national events, along with holding our own community service activities and fundraisers.

COVID-19 has presented many challenges from slowing fundraisers, limiting contact, and eliminating or limiting in person workshops and leadership opportunities. However, Monroe FFA members have forged ahead and still continue to show their premier leadership, personal growth, and career success in many unique ways.

In September, Monroe FFA students were able to attend the Fall Leadership Workshop. Here students were able to meet the Wisconsin State FFA Officer Team and watch their skit titled “Come One, Come All”. Later that evening students were broken up into groups where they were able to participate in three rounds of workshops where they focused on leadership, opportunities, literacy, member recruitment, and many other topics that were presented by the state officer team. Having this opportunity to network with other FFA members from our area to learn about activities and key topics that greatly affect students and their community. 

At the end of October Monroe FFA chapter members were able to see the beautiful city of Indianapolis, for the 2021 National FFA Convention and Exp. The trip started with the members going to the Lintz Angus Beef Farm where they learned about their amazing company and what all goes into the market of getting high quality angus beef into restaurants.

After the students arrived in Indianapolis, they got to go to see country singer and fellow FFA member Alex Miller in concert followed by the one and only Brett Young. Students had early mornings getting to the convention center where they were able to see some amazing speakers including “Fancy Lady Cowgirl” also known as Courtney DeHoff. She taught the group to stay true to your values and dreams, and never let your voice go unheard. FFA members also got to listen to the National FFA choir and band. Much of the rest of the trip was exploring the convention center, attending workshops and networking with agriculture colleges and companies. Another wonderful opportunity to see at the National FFA convention was the wild experience of the rodeo. Here Monroe FFA students proudly cheered on the champion bareback rider who was a Wisconsin native. Lastly, the Monroe FFA and their Advisor Mrs. Pernot would like to thank everyone who made this trip possible, especially Mrs. Andrea Waski as she graciously chaperoned the students on their trip to Indianapolis.

In November, the Monroe FFA Students participated in their first fundraiser since pre covid times. The fundraiser provided local family and friends with fresh fruit, meat and cheese products that were distributed throughout December. The sale could not have been possible without the help from Mrs. Alicia Kubly and the MHS Office Staff. Monroe FFA will continue to turn towards the community for support as we hope to once again be starting the Pork and Seafood Sale.  

 In January, Drew Indergand traveled to neighboring Monticello schools where the Monticello FFA hosted the district speaking contest. Drew competed in two challenging contests with other local FFA members. The first was a discussion meet and the second contest was extemporaneous. Drew will advance to the sectional speaking contest in March to compete for a spot in the Wisconsin State FFA Contest. We are all so proud of this accomplishment and wish Drew the best in his competition.  

Lastly Monroe FFA would like to thank everyone who has supported the agriculture program. We have received some amazing kind donations to support student projects and leadership events and could not be a successful program without this support. Thank you all for the continued support of all the local FFA Chapters and Agriculture Education programs.