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Michigan FFA: 8,800+ members & growing

The Michigan FFA Association is seeing the benefits of increased emphasis on career and technical training pathways.

“We’re definitely growing—the number of chapters and number of advisors and the number of members are all on the increase and have been for the last several years.”

Michigan FFA Advisor Mark Forbush tells Brownfield the agricultural industry needs people and agriscience programs serve as a springboard for all levels.

“After leaving high school, after a two-year degree, after a four-year degree, even after a Ph.D. or a graduate degree, we need people at all those levels in agriculture, so there’s a need for people and that drives program growth,” he shares.

FFA State President William Barnum says its record membership is a testament to the inclusive community.

“Not everybody can play in a sports team, but everybody can play in FFA—that couldn’t be more true,” he says.

Forbush says the most successful programs are supported by both the local community and the school system.

Michigan State University and the Institute of Technology’s 12 programs across the state currently give college credit to FFA members completing programs which Forbush says has also encouraged growth.