If you’re an FFA alumnus, you’re familiar with the officer stations featured in the opening ceremony of each meeting. For those who aren’t, each officer recites a script outlining the responsibilities of their position.
During the opening ceremony, the FFA advisor is stationed by the owl. The advisor’s script reads: “The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I am asked to advise you from time to time, as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge and ripened with wisdom.” It serves as a fitting reminder of the role wisdom plays in guiding the next generation.
On April 8, Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) will host its annual Youth Leadership Day, when around 400 high school students and FFA advisors make their way to Jefferson City. These students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow FFA members from other chapters and spend the morning in the state Capitol, where they’ll meet with elected officials and learn firsthand about the legislative process from members of the House and Senate.
In the afternoon, they’ll return to the MOFB home office to meet a “parliament.” While this gathering isn’t an official FFA meeting and won’t include opening ceremonies, the owl will still play a central role.
This year, MOFB is honored to host a distinguished group of owls from years past, representing more than two centuries of combined FFA experience and expertise. These seasoned veterans have witnessed the evolution of the organization and agriculture as a whole. They’ve faced challenges, seized opportunities, and built careers that have shaped the landscape of FFA. Along the way, they’ve seen countless young people find their own path through the organization, developing skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Here at MOFB, we’ve been reflecting on Youth Leadership Day and brainstorming ways to help attendees recognize the opportunities before them. We want them to hear a message that will remind them of all they are capable of, should they choose to move forward. This is a message many FFA advisors share with their students, but sometimes, it’s valuable to hear the same wisdom from others as well.
Missouri is home to at least eight species of owls, and while each one reflects traits you’ll find in a classroom, there is no doubt that the wisdom shared by the parliament at Youth Leadership Day will spark memories and inspire this generation of FFA members in a lasting way.
