Collegiate 4-H and FFA is an active student organization on the Herbert College of Agriculture’s campus whose mission is to help Tennessee’s 4-H and FFA programs in conjunction with Farm Bureau. Student members strive to serve the community through service and find ways to strengthen their leadership skills beyond the classroom.
Members of Collegiate 4-H and FFA, led by advisor Celina Menard, took an educational trip to Fort Worth, Texas, at the conclusion of the spring 2024 semester. This trip was designed for students to explore the agriculture industry across different parts of the country and observe various factors, such as climate, weather, and population.
Several students traveled over the course of seven days to a wide range of industry partners. They took tours of the University of Alabama and Mississippi State University before settling in Fort Worth, Texas. While in Texas, students spent time at the famous Stockyards, which included a behind-the-scenes tour and visit to the Cowtown Coliseum, the Dallas Zoo, and the Dr. Pepper Museum. At first glance, these may seem like unrelated adventures, but each highlighted a new avenue of agriculture, such as agritourism, animal science, and food science.
Before making the trek back to Rocky Top, students met with Texas Farm Bureau to gain an even deeper understanding of the agriculture industry across the US. The final stop included an opportunity to see the new facilities at the University of Tennessee’s Lone Oaks Farm and learn more about the educational 4-H programs and camping facilities.
Educational opportunities such as these are just some of the many valuable experiences Herbert students have at their disposal. The industry of agriculture spans every corner and encompasses far beyond what many may think. Trips where various facets of agriculture are highlighted in unique ways provide students with opportunities to find avenues of interest outside of the classroom, exploring new branches of agriculture and meeting agricultural professionals who are conducting incredible work.
