
The Unity FFA Chapter is the 2016 Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation, Earth Partners’ Volunteer of the Year. Members of the chapter receive the award from Earth Partners’ Coordinator Myla Munro (left).
As the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation celebrates our successes in 2016, it’s necessary to also thank the many supporters and volunteers who help make the Earth Partners’ Ag Literacy program a success. This year’s Volunteer of the Year award is being presented to a group of well-deserving individuals. The Unity FFA Chapter receives this award for their commitment to agricultural education and the Champaign County 4-H Ag in the Classroom Teen Teacher program.
The Unity FFA Chapter has been involved for a number of years as volunteers at our kindergarten field trip, Where Does Our Food Come From? FFA Advisor, Rich McCabe sees the value in allowing his members to come and speak with students, teachers and chaperones about agriculture. The FFA members are just doing something they’re passionate about… speaking about agriculture.
Several members of the Unity FFA Chapter have also been active in our Teen Teachers program which is a joint venture with Champaign County 4-H. These students received training and guidance and have written more than 15 hands-on and engaging lessons about agricultural topics to teach at four after-school sites within their school district. Earth Partners Coordinator, Myla Munro couldn’t be prouder of the Teen Teachers of the Unity FFA Chapter. “These teens are remarkable. Their commitment and excitement for agricultural education is unmatched.”
The Unity FFA Chapter was recognized at the 105th Annual Meeting of the Champaign County Farm Bureau on Monday, January 23, at Pear Tree Estate. Over 300 Farm Bureau members congratulated them on their commitment to agricultural education.
The Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation provides educational opportunities that impact the future of the food and agricultural industry in Champaign County, and around the world. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation is proud to have provided 375 Champaign County students the encouragement and financial resources to succeed in college. In addition, the Foundation’s Ag in the Classroom program – Earth Partners, educates over 11,000 local primary school students annually. The Earth Partners’ programs connects students to the food system and educates of agriculture’s importance in our local communities.