06/23/2026
We are incredibly proud to have our South Tama FFA Chapter highlighted by South Tama Social Media! This recognition reflects the hard work, leadership, and dedication of our members, alumni, supporters, school staff, and community partners.
From classroom learning and hands-on experiences to leadership development, competitions, and community service, our students continue to make us proud every day.
A special thank you to Steve Bearden for taking the time to showcase our program and for all the work he does highlighting the great things happening across South Tama. 💙💛🌽
Each week the South Tama Social Media Department will highlight a perceived "gem" within the district. This week Social Media Director Steve Bearden spoke with STC FFA Advisor Taylor Brown to learn more about South Tama FFA and Vocational Agriculture. "At South Tama, our FFA chapter consistently engages a large portion of the student body through both classroom instruction and intracurricular involvement. This year, we had 52 FFA members, with students participating in a wide range of experiences that go far beyond the traditional classroom," shared Brown.
Through STC's Agricultural Education Program, students have access to 11 different courses, including everything from Animal Science, Plant Science, Ag Mechanics, Natural Resources, Vet Science, Ag Business, and everything in between. STC also offers dual credit opportunities, helping students get a head start on college and careers.
Brown stated, "A major strength of our program is the hands-on, real-world learning environment we provide. Students don’t just learn about agriculture—they actively experience it through:
*A student-run greenhouse, where students grow, manage, and market plants, gaining experience in horticulture, business, and customer service
*The land lab, where students participate in crop production, observe harvest, and gain firsthand exposure to modern agricultural practices, equipment, and decisions.
These experiences give students direct insight into the horticulture and crop production industries and help them build skills that translate directly into the workforce."
FFA Members also participate in an incredible range of competitive and leadership opportunities, with access to approximately 20 Career Development Events (CDEs) and 20 Leadership Development Events (LDEs). These include contests such as Ag Sales, Job Interview, Envirothon, Public Speaking, Soils, Floriculture, and Chapter Program—just to name a few. They consistently earn top placements at the district level and advance to state competition.
Beyond competitions, the chapter is deeply involved in leadership development, community service, and hands-on learning experiences. These activities include:
*Organizing "Feed the Farmers:" where students prepare and distribute meals to local agricultural partners
*Supporting and helping maintain the "STC Community Garden:" reinforcing our commitment to local food systems and service
*Leading activities during "National FFA Week" that engage the entire school and community
*Visiting colleges and industry programs (such as Kirkwood’s Vet Tech program)
*Participating in the National FFA Convention, where students explore careers, attend leadership workshops, and connect with thousands of members across the country
"A unique strength of our program is the way our FFA members serve as leaders and educators within our own district," shared Brown. Students regularly:
*Visit elementary classrooms to teach agriculture-based lessons and read agricultural related books. Activities like this help younger students build early awareness and excitement for agriculture.
*Connect with middle school students to share information about agricultural education courses and FFA opportunities at the high school; This helps guide them as they plan their future paths.
"We also take pride in providing equitable access for all students. Through grants and support, we are able to ensure students can participate regardless of financial barriers—covering items such as FFA jackets, contest fees, and leadership events," stated Brown.
What truly sets South Tama FFA apart is the breadth of opportunities, strong community connections, and high level of student involvement. Whether a student is interested in agriculture, mechanics, science, business, or leadership, there is a place for them in the program.
"At the end of the day, the goal of the South Tama Agriculture Program and FFA is simple: to provide as many opportunities and real-world experiences as possible so our students can grow personally, academically, and professionally. Overall, South Tama FFA is a highly active and competitive chapter at the local and district levels, with consistent representation at the state level and participation in national experiences. It is something our school and community can be incredibly proud of," shared Brown.
Photos provided
Reporting Credit: Steve Bearden, South Tama Social Media Director
