Round-up of FFA News for the week of March 26, 2026

This week, several FFA chapters across Ohio made headlines with their achievements and activities. The Amanda-Clearcreek FFA Chapter, based in Amanda, Ohio, made both chapter and state history at the Ohio FFA State Public Speaking Career Development Event held on March 7 at Marysville High School. To qualify for the state competition, members had to advance from both the county and district competitions by placing in the top two in their respective categories.

The public speaking CDE consists of four different categories: FFA Creed Speaking, Beginning Prepared Speaking, Advanced Prepared Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. This year, five Amanda-Clearcreek FFA members earned their way to compete in the state competition. Jazmine Arledge competed in the FFA Creed Speaking competition, where she placed in the top 10 in Ohio. The Creed Speaking CDE requires freshman members to recite the FFA creed written by E.M. Tiffany, followed by five minutes of follow-up questions about the FFA creed.

Grace Martin and Riley Strickler both competed in the Beginning Prepared Speaking competition, and both placed in the top 10 in Ohio. In the Beginning Prepared Speaking CDE, members are required to memorize and recite a five to seven-minute speech based on an agricultural topic of their choice, followed by a five-minute question and answer session.

Troy Busch and Emma Strickler both competed in the Extemporaneous Speaking CDE. The Extemporaneous Speaking CDE requires members to choose a random agricultural topic, research that topic for 30 minutes, and then give a four to six-minute speech followed by questions regarding the topic. Emma Strickler placed first in Ohio, making her one of only six FFA members in Ohio FFA history who have won both Senior Prepared and Extemporaneous Speaking State Championships. Strickler also won the Beginning Prepared Speaking CDE. A former A-C FFA member, Josie Montoney, has also earned this rare honor. In October, Strickler will be representing both the chapter and the entire State of Ohio at the 99th National FFA Convention and Leadership Forum in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In other news, the West Holmes FFA Chapter held its annual Career Development Event on March 15. The event included competitions in FFA Creed Speaking, Prepared Speaking, and Extemporaneous Speaking. Several members advanced to the district level, showcasing their skills and dedication to agricultural education.

The Northwestern Wayne FFA Chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary with a reunion and awards ceremony on March 20. The event highlighted the chapter's accomplishments over the past half-century and recognized long-standing members and alumni for their contributions to the FFA and the agricultural community.

The Shelby FFA Chapter participated in a community service project, planting trees in a local park to promote environmental stewardship and education. The project was part of the chapter's efforts to engage with the community and raise awareness about sustainable agriculture practices.

These achievements and activities demonstrate the active and impactful role these FFA chapters play in their communities and the broader agricultural industry. As the FFA continues to provide valuable leadership and career development opportunities for young people, these successes serve as a testament to the organization's commitment to nurturing future leaders in agriculture.