CHENANGO COUNTY – Recently, the Chenango County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February 21 through 28, as National Future Farmers of America (FFA) week and supporters of agricultural education across the country are invited to join the 11th annual Give FFA Day on February 26, 2026.

The 24 hour national campaign, held in conjunction with National FFA Week encourages donors to direct their gifts to the FFA state of their choice, ensuring that contributions directly benefit local members.

During the board meeting, recognition was given to the agricultural education in support of creating a strong foundation for youth of America and the future of food, fiber, and natural resources.

The proclamation noted their motto “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve” gives direction and purpose to students for success in the agricultural education.

New York FFA membership now exceeds 13,500 students and the need for strong financial support has never been greater. Give FFA Day provides an opportunity for New York to join with other state associations nationwide in rallying support for agricultural education.

“On Give FFA Day, every FFA association and foundation in the country stands united, proclaiming,  If you believe in the power of FFA, if you were an FFA member, if you value FFA norms and traditions, then make a gift today to celebrate FFA nationwide,” said  Todd Lighthall, Executive Director of the New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation.

Make a gift to New York FFA on  February 26, 2026 at: giveffaday.ffa.org/campaigns/new-york-ffa

Checks may also be mailed to:  NY FFA Foundation  9340 Long Pond Rd Croghan, NY 13327.

“It’s not the size of the gift that matters, it’s the act of giving,” said Lighthall. “The act says to every current FFA member, ‘I am still showing up for FFA and the future of agriculture in my state’ and he added, “I Hope you will.”

Otselic Valley FFA President Skyler Graham said their chapter has met with community and state representatives to put what they’ve learned into practice.

“Today FFA not only emphasizes agriculture, but also teaches leadership, responsibility, and competence,” said Graham.

He said skills extend far beyond the classroom.

“Through competitions and events, students gain experience in public speaking, interviews, and communication,” Graham said.

“FFA week is not only important to remind the public about the importances of farming, but also to show appreciation for this industry,” he added. “So, we would like to thank you for having FFA week.”

Otselic Valley FFA Media Manager Macenzie Clemens said they have two fund raiser pancake breakfasts in March and also noted she and Skyler will be advancing to sub-state on March 14, for extemporaneous speaking and going to the State Convention in May.

Amber Thibodeau, Volunteer Chair of the New York FFA Campaign, noted the rapid growth of the initiative and said New York successfully launched its first major Give FFA Day campaign in 2023 and witnessed the power of networking through a social media campaign.

“Facebook and Instagram helped us reconnect with alumni and reach a broader audience of supporters,” said Thibodeau. “In 2025, supporters contributed  $143,000  to New York FFA members, ranking first among all state associations in both donors and dollars raised.”

She said the 2026 campaign is poised to become the most impactful Give FFA Day in New York’s history with eight generous donors pledging $64,000 in matching funds to recognize the campaign’s potential and help expand opportunities for FFA members.

The New York FFA Foundation extends its gratitude to the 2026 matching donors:  Art Berkey; Ric & Karen Coombe; Don & Janet Jenny; Sam Shapiro; Richard & Joyce Church; Spencer & Judy Gridley; Lowell Sanders; and Dr. David Kohl.

The New York FFA Leadership Training Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to securing sustainable, long‐term funding to prepare FFA members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Foundation engages alumni, donors, and sponsors throughout the year to strengthen opportunities for New York’s FFA members.

Learn more at  www.nyffafoundation.org.