During National FFA Week, the Delaware Farm Bureau had the opportunity to speak with high school FFA students at Smyrna High School’s 2023 Agricultural College and Career Fair, that took place on Thursday, February 23rd, 2023. This event was eye-opening for the students, allowing them to learn more about the various career pathways within the realm agriculture.
The Smyrna High School Agriscience Department and the Smyrna FFA Chapter invited over 75 businesses and industry representatives, including Delaware Department of Agriculture, Brenford Animal Hospital, Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police and many more.
Students within the Agriscience Department were able to learn about the various pathways and careers they can pursue, such as ag education, crop production and engineering to name a few. They spoke with representatives to learn more about each business/organization and what they do, the different job positions they offer, the education and experience required, and the average salary associated with careers available within that agricultural pathway.
Students had the privilege of speaking with Delaware Farm Bureau President, Bill Powers, New Castle County Farm Bureau President, Stewart Ramsey, and Delaware Farm Bureau Executive Director Don Clifton regarding the role of the Delaware Farm Bureau and how the organization interacts and works with local farmers. Powers, Ramsey and Clifton also provided students with personal experience and insight from their agricultural pathways.
Delaware Farm Bureau’s Program and Foundation Coordinator, Kali Voshell, and Marketing Coordinator, Mikayla Paul, were also in attendance and had the opportunity to speak with students about the agricultural career paths available. Voshell reflects, “It was amazing to see how many students were pursuing a career within the agriculture pathway! We were able to talk with many students about their desired careers, from welding to animal science. I hope they stick with it and continue to follow their interest in agriculture and chase their dreams.”
