Future Farmers of America (FFA) continues to provide students with leadership opportunities and hands-on agricultural experiences. Chapter president Adam Mages has taken full advantage of these opportunities while leading others along the way. Through dedication and passion, he has made a strong impact on his chapter and community.

Getting involved in FFA is simple, according to Mages. “Come to the meetings so you get an idea of what events are happening and coming up,” he said. “You can also meet new people that way, too.”

Among the many events FFA offers, the Spring Ag Show stands out as his favorite. “It’s a day where I get to bring my family’s farm equipment, like tractors and a combine, through town,” Mages said. He described the experience as exciting and something he looks forward to each year.

FFA has also played a major role in preparing him for his future career. “It gave me lots of professionalism and helped me get to know a large number of people in other schools,” he said. He added that he has also gained valuable employability skills through his involvement.

Being a strong FFA member takes more than just showing up. “Someone who’s involved, likes to have a good time, and tries hard to do the right thing makes a great member,” Mages explained. He believes attitude and effort are key to success in the organization.

As chapter president, his responsibilities keep him busy throughout the week. “I lead chapter meetings, which involve starting and ending them and explaining things during the meeting,” he said. He also works with the officer team to plan events and make decisions for the chapter.

Earning the role of president required effort and commitment. “I made lots of friends and always had a respectful and positive attitude,” Mages said. “I never got sick of doing the hard things—I just went and did it.”

Despite the rewards, the role comes with challenges. “Trying to organize all the events is usually pretty chaotic,” he admitted. He also noted that working with the administration to arrange time out of school can be difficult.

Throughout his time in FFA, Mages has created lasting memories. One moment stood out in particular: “During the Parade of Lights, the lights got tangled in my semi’s driveshaft, and the truck went dark,” he said. “It ended up locking up in the middle of the road, which was definitely something I won’t forget.”