Ulysses FFA Week Celebrations Tied To National Recognition in Washington

Ulysses FFA Week Celebrations Tied to National Recognition in Washington

The Ulysses FFA Chapter capped off a short week of activities celebrating National FFA Week, an annual observance recognizing the importance of agricultural education and leadership development across the United States.

This year’s celebration carried special significance after U.S. Representative Tracey Mann, co-chair of the Congressional FFA Caucus, led a bipartisan effort in Congress to honor National FFA Week, which runs annually from February 21–28. Congressman Mann — a former FFA chapter officer from Quinter, Kansas — joined 58 of his House colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing FFA’s role in preparing tomorrow’s leaders in food, agriculture, and related industries. U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced a companion measure in the U.S. Senate.

In his remarks, Mann said the week provides a chance to celebrate the impact of the National FFA Organization and its more than one million members nationwide. He highlighted the organization’s motto — “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve” — and praised students for their commitment to service, education, and community engagement.

Locally, the Ulysses FFA Chapter carried that spirit forward with a variety of events designed to showcase student leadership, competitive skills, and community involvement.

The week’s activities began with a Chapter Appreciation Day, giving members an opportunity to recognize advisors, supporters, alumni, and community partners who contribute to the chapter’s success.

FFA Week continued Tuesday with a Truck Competition that brought energy and excitement to the Ulysses community. High school seniors and underclassmen competed in vehicle handling and task challenges, and Hugo Maldonado took home the top prize — a Yeti cooler generously donated by Ace Hardware.

On Wednesday, FFA members turned their attention to the field for a Tractor Pull event. Each class lined up to compete by pulling a John Deere 4WD tractor supplied by American Implement. After several rounds of strong performances, the Junior Class earned bragging rights by posting the best overall pull.

“National FFA Week is more than just a date on the calendar,” said Kansas FFA State President Lillian Hulse in a statement tied to the national observance. “It’s a time when members, advisors, alumni and supporters reflect on their experiences and celebrate the opportunities FFA creates in agriculture and leadership.”

FFA — commonly known as Future Farmers of America — is a congressionally chartered youth organization focused on agricultural education, career development, and community service. With thousands of local chapters across all 50 states, FFA plays a central role in preparing students for careers in food production, agribusiness, science and technology, and natural resource management.

For Ulysses FFA members, the week’s events offered a chance to celebrate both local achievement and their place in a larger statewide and national movement focused on agriculture, education, and rural leadership.