The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG - Last week, the animal rights group, PETA, came out with a harsh attack against the values of the National FFA Organization in a blog post titled "FFA is Lame . . ." that went viral and caused a strong response from FFA members on Facebook. Hashtags like #FFAProud, #FFAStrong, WHYIFFA, and #FFAPride ran rampant as members jumped to the organization's defense.

Below are exerpts of posts from just a few of the local FFA members who responded.

Timber Froherich:"Considering I am a proud showman, member, and officer in my local FFA chapter, I'd like to set this straight for those who do not know the truth about showing a market animal. Number 1: from the moment we buy our animals from the farmer, we are told by Mr. Jerry Hall to treat our animals with the same respect we treat ourselves." (Timber went on to list specifics about the care required for FFA animals.)

Emily Adams: Every time I zip up that corduroy jacket, whether it's for a fair or I'm competing in a CDE, I get a sense of pride. I'm part of the largest student ran organization in the nation. Joining the FFA has been one of the greatest things I have done.

Courtesy Photo

FFA parent Pam Alexenko posted this photo of her son, Luke Alexenko with his FFA pig,. on Facebook. She captioned it "FFA all the way!"

Mikala DeRuwe: FFA has opened the door for so many young adults. Even though I was farm born and raised, I learned so much through FFA about agriculture that I'd never known before. Agriculture is the center of our lives, even if we don't always think of it to be. I will continually support the National FFA Organization because it brings much more to the table than just food, it brings everlasting knowledge.

Paige Wood: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership. I learned an abundance from FFA, not only about livestock, but social skills, money/time management, and responsibility, only to name a few.

Waitsburg Chapter FFA Advisor Nicole Abel said she was proud of her students and parents and dittoed a post by fellow Ag Science instructor and friend, Tracy Brown. "'I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds. I am an agriculture educator by choice and not by chance.' Two creeds I live by every day. Today I have seen my heart and passions articulated by former students, parents, and colleagues. I love it!"