JUDA - The National FFA Organization has changed over the years, Juda school advisor Ralph Johnson said.
"It's not just cows and sows, anymore," he said, with a laugh.
The Juda FFA celebrated its 60th anniversary Jan. 12.
The organization has evolved into a curriculum that includes all segments of agriculture, such as veterinary sciences, aquaculture, welding and horticulture.
"The changes have attracted more students," Johnson said.
When he first became the group's advisor 18 years ago, there were 28 students involved with FFA. There are about 80 students in FFA this year. Students can join FFA in seventh grade and continue through high school.
In the 2008-09 school year, 55 percent of the school population was enrolled in FFA. The school had the second highest percentage of school population enrolled in FFA in Wisconsin.
Juda FFA secretary Emily Seeling said the organization helps students think about what careers are available to them after graduation. Leaders in local chapters also attend conferences and meet with other FFA chapter leaders, she said.
"It helps with leadership skills," the group's vice president Katy Knudtson said.
Among the changes over the past 60 years is the inclusion of females. In 1969, girls were allowed to join the program. Johnson said female students now make up about 60 percent of the chapter.
Throughout the year, Juda FFA plans to observe its anniversary. The group's annual banquet, May 8, will include past members and advisors.
This year's officers are Heather Boeke, president; Knudtson, vice president; Megan Trotter, treasurer; Seeling, secretary; Dylan Severson, parliamentarian; Bryan Cramer, sentinel; Tabitha Theiler, reporter; and Cassie Mann, historian.
"It's not just cows and sows, anymore," he said, with a laugh.
The Juda FFA celebrated its 60th anniversary Jan. 12.
The organization has evolved into a curriculum that includes all segments of agriculture, such as veterinary sciences, aquaculture, welding and horticulture.
"The changes have attracted more students," Johnson said.
When he first became the group's advisor 18 years ago, there were 28 students involved with FFA. There are about 80 students in FFA this year. Students can join FFA in seventh grade and continue through high school.
In the 2008-09 school year, 55 percent of the school population was enrolled in FFA. The school had the second highest percentage of school population enrolled in FFA in Wisconsin.
Juda FFA secretary Emily Seeling said the organization helps students think about what careers are available to them after graduation. Leaders in local chapters also attend conferences and meet with other FFA chapter leaders, she said.
"It helps with leadership skills," the group's vice president Katy Knudtson said.
Among the changes over the past 60 years is the inclusion of females. In 1969, girls were allowed to join the program. Johnson said female students now make up about 60 percent of the chapter.
Throughout the year, Juda FFA plans to observe its anniversary. The group's annual banquet, May 8, will include past members and advisors.
This year's officers are Heather Boeke, president; Knudtson, vice president; Megan Trotter, treasurer; Seeling, secretary; Dylan Severson, parliamentarian; Bryan Cramer, sentinel; Tabitha Theiler, reporter; and Cassie Mann, historian.