Arkansas Future Farmers of America, an organization dedicated to developing student potential through agricultural education, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Marion D. Fletcher Leadership Center on Wednesday, July 13. Arkansas FFA renovated the space located at Camp Couchdale in Hot Springs, Arkansas, home to Arkansas FFA since the late 1920s.
The Marion D. Fletcher Leadership Center has served Arkansas FFA student members well since 1984. It has been the host of leadership camps, agriculture teacher in-service, state officer workshops, bus driver training and many life moments over the 37 years it has served the future of the agriculture industry.
Named after Marion D. Fletcher, agriculture education pioneer and leader, the renovations now allow Arkansas FFA to continue to honor his commitment to students by providing the advancement of technology, hands-on learning and new opportunities. The newly renovated floorplan now boasts an auditorium, animal science and agricultural mechanics lab, alumni room, and six new classrooms.
“We are working every day to strengthen, not just career and technical education as a whole, but specifically ag education in Arkansas,” said Secretary of Education John Key, “I’m very proud of Arkansas agriculture education and we are working to make it stronger and keep it a source of pride for our state.”
The Poultry Federation was pleased to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony in support of Arkansas FFA and the continued advancement of agriculture education and providing more opportunities for the future leaders of our industry. While continuing to support organizations such as Arkansas FFA, TPF is committed to further support of the promotion of educational leadership and advancement through partnerships with organizations such as Arkansas FFA, Arkansas 4-H, providing opportunities through the TPF Scholarship, and more.
The Poultry Federation is a trade association representing the poultry and egg industry in Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The federation promotes and protects the interests of the industry and provides a unified voice for governmental affairs. The Poultry Federation is based in Little Rock, AR., and has operational offices in Jefferson City, MO., and Oklahoma City, OK.
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