More Than Just Agriculture
Aubrey Shank, working toward the American Degree, the FFA gold standard.
The Future Farmers of America program in Washington County fuels friendships, family, and community
By Laura Forrest Hopfauf
Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an active and engaging community in Washington County that is focused on more than just its agricultural roots. Although primarily known for fostering the love and education of county students interested in agriculture, FFA is not only raising future farmers, but entrepreneurs, chefs, veterinarians, environmentalists, and community leaders.
Addison Malott, friendships are what make FFA strong.
There are five FFA programs at county schools–Boonsboro Middle, Boonsboro High, Clear Spring High, Technical High, and Smithsburg High. At each of these programs, students are able to engage in a variety of activities like public speaking, floriculture, veterinary science, landscaping, livestock projects, and agriculture mechanics to develop life skills like leadership, team-work, and problem-solving that will be essential for any career path they choose.
“The goal of FFA in Washington County is to cultivate the next generation of leaders in agriculture by providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, leadership development, and a strong sense of community involvement,” says Elizabeth Comstock, vice principal of Boonsboro High School and a supporter of the FFA’s extensive alumni organization. “FFA equips students with practical skills in areas like animal science, environmental management, agricultural science, power mechanics, and agribusiness, while also instilling values of responsibility, teamwork, and services.”
Comstock was the FFA advisor for Boonsboro High School for five years and is a third generation FFA member. She knows first-hand as a member and a leader what FFA can do for students and their futures and works hard to continue a legacy that helps students find their own unique paths in FFA, school, and life.
“My primary goal was for all students to find their purpose,” she says. “The agriculture industry is incredibly multifaceted, and I aimed to provide students with opportunities that not only enhance their knowledge but also help them discover unique paths.”
A 2023 graduate of Boonsboro High School, Aubrey Shank is working toward The American Degree, the highest degree achievement in FFA. It requires qualifications like completing a secondary degree in an agricultural education program and having skills in leadership, scholarship, and community service and expounds upon the possibilities of FFA for everyone involved. “FFA is a good opportunity to get leadership skills, help boost your resume, and gain skills for college and life,” Shank says. “There are so many events for career and leadership development.”
Joseph Miller, learned to butcher to help become a chef.
Some of these events are outside of what people typically associate with FFA.
“One important thing I want people to know about FFA is that it’s not just about agriculture. It’s often perceived as ‘cows, plows, and sows’ but it encompasses so much more,” Comstock says.
Joseph Miller, a 2024 graduate of Clear Spring High School, was part of the school’s FFA program. Miller hopes to become a chef and through FFA was able to participate in meat judging, where he learned skills such as how to determine the quality, yield grade, and cut of meat; skills that will be invaluable to a future chef.
For those unaware of what FFA has to offer them, Miller says, “Try it out. A lot of people are skeptical and think you have to be knowledgeable in agriculture areas. But push yourself forward and try it. There is a category for everyone.”
In Washington County, FFA programs take part not just in local competitions and events like the Washington County Ag Fair, but also state, regional, and national events where FFA members across the United States, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico all come together to form relationships that can last a lifetime.
A dairy handler who placed top 10 in the nation at the National FFA Convention and is a member of Boonsboro High School’s FFA program, Addison Malott says, “the friendships that you make and the life lessons that you’ve learned here are second to none. FFA has changed everyone’s life here. And I think everyone will tell you that.”
Comstock adds, “Being an FFA leader allowed me to build meaningful relationships with students, their families, and our community partners. These connections last far beyond the students’ time in the program, and it’s rewarding to know I’ve played a small part in their journey.”
For all involved, FFA is more than a program, it’s a legacy and a community that has lasted across the nation for nearly 100 years and is still growing.
The reason for that may be simple. “Friendships are what make FFA so strong,” Malott says.