SLO FFA is Back in Action!
- Mila Shih
- Aug 21
- 7 min read
Written by Mila Shih, Vice President 2025-2026. August 21, 2025.
Hey SLO FFA! As school kicks off, we’re so excited to welcome both returning members and new students to another incredible year with the San Luis Obispo FFA Chapter! Whether you’re stepping into your first agricultural class or donning your blue jacket for another year, we’re so glad to see your energy, excitement, and passion in this first week of school. This year, your chapter officer team is more motivated than ever to bring you new opportunities for growth, leadership, connections, and unforgettable memories.
In this back-to-school newsletter edition, you’ll meet your 2025-2026 chapter officer team and advisors, explore the courses we offer, get a sneak peek at some major upcoming events, and learn how to get involved right away with speaking contests and leadership conferences. We’re also dropping our new chapter theme soon, so stay tuned!
A Warm Welcome from our Advisors
Our agricultural teachers Mrs. Jamie Jennings, Mrs. Jodi Evans, and Mrs. Anna Bates are so excited to welcome you to another amazing year in SLO FFA! They are so excited to get to meet new FFA members and teach our students a foundation of science through concepts in agriculture.
Officer Spotlights
This year, your chapter officer team is more motivated than ever to bring you new opportunities for growth, leadership, connections, and unforgettable memories.
Stevie is ready to lead SLO FFA with heart and experience! As a senior in high school, it’s his third and final year on our chapter team, and he intends to make this year the best one yet. Stevie has competed in public speaking events like Creed, Impromptu, Prepared Public Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure–and is even serving as our South Coast Regional Sentinel–wow! Stevie has raised market swine for 8 years and received a Regional Proficiency Award for his therapy dog work. Outside of FFA, you’ll find him playing goalie in water polo or creating films.
With a love for science, communication, and creativity, Mila (hi, it’s me!) is diving into FFA events like the Agriscience Fair, Environmental and Natural Resource Systems CDE, Prepared Public Speaking, and Parliamentary Procedure. When not busy with FFA, she enjoys reading, making music and art, swimming, and experimenting with plants. Mila’s mission this year is to meet as many members as possible and help everyone feel welcome and empowered to grow in FFA.
Reagan is beginning her first year on the officer team. Her SAE projects include raising and showing market goats at the Mid-State Fair and shadowing professors at Cal Poly. Outside of FFA, Reagan plays soccer for Central Coast United, referees youth soccer games in the fall, and enjoys a good cup of coffee. She’s excited to help keep SLO FFA organized and on track this year.
Kailie brings energy and creativity to the officer team as she steps into her first year as Treasurer. As the chairwoman for our Parliamentary Procedure team, she’ll be representing us this fall at the national competition! Kailie plays tennis and enjoys traveling, music, and spending time with her family.
While this year marks Maddi’s first as an officer, it’s her third year in FFA and she brings tons of experience to our team! She’s competed in Creed, Impromptu, Vet Science, and Parliamentary Procedure, and has shown pigs at the Mid-State Fair for two years. This year, she’s diving deeper into our agriscience and agribusiness pathways. Maddi has also served as the Teen Leader for the Edna 4-H Horse group for four years and shows pigs at local and state jackpot shows. She’s so excited to help tell the story of SLO FFA this year as your reporter!
It’s Matthew’s fourth year in the FFA and his second on our chapter officer team! He’s been raising livestock for many, many years and is excited to compete in Job Interview and finish another amazing Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project.
Collin joins our officer team with excitement as the historian for both our chapter and section! This year, he will be competing in Parliamentary Procedure and Impromptu. Collin is committed to encouraging members to step out of their comfort zones and believes strongly in the idea that FFA is for everyone!
Course Highlights
This year, our department offers a variety of courses designed to strengthen students’ leadership, agricultural knowledge, and industry skills. Check out what’s happening across our pathways this year below! For more detailed information, click here.
Agricultural Biology
Agricultural Biology is the introductory science course for the freshmen “greenhands” in our program and meets one year of science requirements. This course emphasizes biological processes, from cells to organisms interacting with ecosystems. Students will be actively engaged in hands-on labs, and are challenged to conduct a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project on any agricultural research topic or service of their choice. This is the introductory course for the Agriscience Pathway.
Chemistry and Agriscience
Chemistry and Agriscience is our foundational agricultural science course. Students will explore physical and chemical processes which occur in natural ecosystems and examine the relationships between soil, plants, and animals. This is the concentrator course for the Agriscience Pathway.
Agricultural Leadership
Agricultural Leadership is open to students of all grade levels! Students will develop and enhance their leadership skills through goal setting, cooperative learning, speech proficiency, parliamentary procedures, book reviews, and presentations. This is the introductory course for the Agricultural Business & Communications Pathway.
Agricultural Speech and Communications
This class focuses on building confidence, public speaking skills, and effective communication strategies. Students will participate in FFA speaking events, such as Prepared Public Speaking, practice writing and delivering speeches, and gain tools to become stronger advocates for agriculture and leaders in any setting. This is the concentrator course for the Agricultural Business & Communications Pathway and is a Dual Enrollment Class.
Agricultural Systems Management
Our Agricultural Systems Management combines mechanical, technical, and problem-solving skills to develop solutions for agricultural operations. Dr. Anna Bates challenges students to think critically while applying knowledge to work past agricultural management issues currently facing the industry. This class is perfect for those who enjoy working with their hands and understanding the “how” behind the systems that keep agriculture running! This is the capstone course for the Agriscience Pathway and is a Dual Enrollment Class.
Agricultural Business
Students in Agricultural Business explore the world of entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and management through the lens of the agriculture industry. Students learn about sales and sales strategies. They work to develop a value-added marketing plan for a local agriculture business and present their plan to community members. With opportunities to collaborate on real projects and connect with local professionals, this course prepares students for careers and leadership roles in business. This is the capstone course for the Agricultural Business & Communications Pathway and is a Dual Enrollment Class.
Animal and Veterinary Science
Taught by none other than Dr. Anna Bates, these courses are designed for students interested in animal health and production–diving into topics like anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and veterinary practices. Labs, dissections, and hands-on projects give students real-world experience with livestock and companion animals.
Floral Design
The Floral Design course allows students to explore the artistic side of agriculture by creating arrangements and mastering design techniques used in the floral industry. Members learn everything from flower identification to pricing and event planning. If you’re creative and have a passion for design, this hands-on class, taught by Mrs. Jennings, also boasts a Floral Design competition team!
Ornamental Horticulture
The Ornamental Horticulture class focuses on the science and business of cultivating plants for decorative purposes. This course teaches students skills for home gardening, plant propagation, pest control, pruning, fertilization, landscaping, and plant identification.
Speaking Opportunities and Upcoming Events
Attention, students! Public speaking opportunities, leadership events, and community service activities sign-ups are in the hallway of the agricultural building! We strongly encourage FFA members to participate in at least one speaking contest or leadership conference to strengthen oral communications and build community within our chapter.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to public speaking, Opening and Closing Ceremonies is the first sectional competition of the year! Students form a team to memorize and demonstrate the official FFA opening ceremonies performed during chapter meetings. This contest is an amazing opportunity to strengthen public speaking and meet FFA students from across the section! I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this event to all students interested! Sign up in the hallway soon!
The FFA Creed
The FFA Creed Speaking contest gives ninth graders an opportunity to enhance public speaking skills and build self-confidence. Students are tasked with memorizing a short work underscoring the FFA’s core values and are evaluated on their ability to memorize and recite the FFA Creed. The thrill of thinking on your feet when answering a set of questions after the recital is amazing–this contest should be on your radar!! Students who move on from the sectional competition have the opportunity to advance to the regional, state and national level.
Greenhand Leadership Conference
The Greenhand Leadership Conference (GLC) is where the FFA leadership journey truly begins. Freshmen “greenhands” are invited to a conference in Paso Robles to build leadership skills and connect with fellow greenhands across the region! If interested, don’t forget to sign up in the agricultural hallway!
Upcoming Events
The calendar is already filling up with exciting opportunities to learn, lead, and compete! From chapter meetings and community service opportunities to competitions and conferences, make sure to stay tuned so you don’t miss out. Upcoming events include:
September Game Meeting (9/10): this is our first chapter meeting of the year, and usually our biggest. Make sure to drop by for games, food, and lots of fun!
Sectional Beach Cleanup (TBA): This beach cleanup is a community service opportunity for those looking to support our hometown or earn FFA activity credits. More details to come.
Opening and Closing Ceremonies Public Speaking contest (10/8)
Our officer team and advisors are so thankful for all our FFA students who’ve started the year with such positivity, kindness, and enthusiasm. We’re so excited for the year ahead!
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