Two members of the Weyauwega-Fremont FFA Chapter recently attended the Wisconsin Association of FFA Half-Time Leadership Conference.
Alisha Kloehn and Mark Buchholtz were among the almost 600 FFA members, advisers and state FFA officers who participated in the conference, held Jan. 6 and 7 in Stevens Point.
The Half-Time Leadership Conference provides FFA chapter leaders from around the state the opportunity to set goals and prepare for the second half of their year of service to their local FFA chapters.
Members attended workshops about leadership and personal development, membership and chapter development and opportunities in FFA.
They learned about preparing for FFA events and getting involved in community service.
In addition, FFA members heard from Matt Reinders and Adam Wehling, past state FFA officers and current agricultural instructors and FFA advisers, who presented a motivational address to the members.
The Half-Time Conference has an over 26-year tradition for Wisconsin FFA members to bring top leaders together to assist in leadership development.
This year’s leadership conference was designed and conducted by the 2011-12 Wisconsin State FFA officers.
The theme of the conference was “Destination: Unknown.”
“Half-Time is one of the premier leadership conferences in our state and designed by student leaders,” said Cheryl Zimmerman, state FFA executive director. “We are able to provide young people with an excellent experience to develop their leadership skills and get them excited about agriculture, agricultural education and the FFA so they can build their local programs.”
FFA advisers were also busy during the two-day conference.
They attended training for the new Agricultural Career Network that students will be using for student membership and career portfolio development.
Teachers were also involved in the Wisconsin Association of Agricultural Educators board and committee meetings.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA is comprised of 250 local chapters in high schools across the state.
It prepares more than 18,000 students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture.
FFA activities and programs complement instruction in agriculture education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes.