Chapter Update: Food and Ag Secretary Karen Ross Visits Hanford FFA
Submitted by Morgan Carroll, Hanford FFA Reporter
Secretary Karen Ross, the Secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), recently visited Kings County to engage with local agriculturists and FFA chapters, including Hanford FFA. This visit served as a platform for FFA members to showcase their dedication and work while fostering a collaborative environment that aims to bring positive changes to California's agriculture industry.
The visit kicked off with a dinner at West Hills College in Lemoore, where Secretary Ross engaged in meaningful discussions with agriculturists from across Kings County. Two Hanford FFA officers, Joshua Borba and Morgan Carroll, participated in these conversations, sharing insights on agricultural topics and exchanging ideas on CDFA’s efforts to strengthen California's agriculture sector.
On the following day, Secretary Ross embarked on a tour of FFA chapters, including Lemoore FFA, Avenal FFA, and Hanford FFA. At Hanford FFA, multiple members had the privilege of guiding Secretary Ross through a tour of the Hanford Joint Union High School District Farm. The students seized this opportunity to highlight the profound impact that FFA has had on their personal growth and development.
The impact of this event has been significant, fostering a sense of optimism among Hanford FFA members who had the chance to engage with Secretary Ross and provide their input on various agricultural matters. Their voices and experiences will contribute to Secretary Ross' efforts to support agriculture education and the FFA as a whole.
FFA members were appreciative of the opportunity. "It was very refreshing to see somebody from the government level come to Hanford and genuinely care about our agricultural endeavors,” stated Daren Deftereos, a Hanford FFA member. “Secretary Ross is a compassionate person who seems determined to take what she learned back to Sacramento and make a positive impact for farmers."
Jada Gonzales, another Hanford FFA member, shared her delight at meeting Secretary Ross, emphasizing her passion for FFA and the genuine connection she established with each member during the district farm tour.
The ongoing collaboration between Secretary Ross and FFA members holds promise for a brighter future in California agriculture. To learn more about the visit and Hanford FFA's endeavors, visit their Instagram page @hanfordffa.
