Adventure Learning Center

Through the blue and the gold of FFA members from all over the world, teamwork, dedication, tradition and success were shown to be a positive for the group who participated at the Adventure Learning Center (ALC).

New Century Farmers rose to the challenge by coming together to learn what they can do for one another. Only meeting each other a short time before coming to the ALC, individuals traveling from Washington to Florida came together. “We came together from all over and we have to work together to get it all done,” stated Glenn Dye of Virginia. From the 72 individuals that applies, 41 were chosen to travel to Iowa and share ideas to help build each other up, while gaining new skills and ideas for themselves.

The background of each individual was different, whether being a crop farmer from South Dakota to raising livestock in Kentucky, participants are able to come together and communicate about what they are doing. “Working together as agriculturist is what needs to happen. We are going to be providing food for our area and for the world,” stated Andrew Christenson of Wisconsin. Clark Oberholtzer of Pennsylvania communicated, “There is always different backgrounds, but accepting who we are will help us later on.”

Jenna Meeks of Idaho stated, “Global communication is a key in the success of everyone. If we don't have everyone it is not going to work as well. We need to hear everyone in order to have a more efficient way to doing things.”

Throughout the day, participants came up with things they would need for the next activity and also for the next phase in their lives. “Being able to sit down and talk about what we could have done and what we did each time was a great way to prepare for the next step, whatever it may be.” stated Nikki Land of Tennessee.

The program which started 12 years ago, shows the value of pursuing a career in production agriculture and provides the students with an opportunity to advance their leadership, personal and career skills in various ways. By defying the ALC low challenge course program, National FFA’s New Century Farmers are well on their way to growing relationships and the food for the world’s population.