Bringing Agriculture to Campus: Findlay Student Chosen as Agriculture Future of America Ambassador

Sophomore Class representative and Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference invitee Emma Graham has been selected as an AFA Student Ambassador for the 2019-2020 school year. As one of 23 students across the country chosen for this role, Graham’s duties include interacting with agribusiness leaders, campus faculty and fellow students as they represent AFA.

According to the AFA, the student leaders will visit corporate partners and potential partners of AFA throughout the year. They will have opportunities to discuss various facets of agriculture and business with leaders from partner organizations. These visits expand students’ understanding of agriculture and add value to AFA’s leader development programs. Additionally, the Student Advisory Team will develop plans for the 2019 Conference.

Looking forward to her future role, Graham is most excited about helping students interested in agriculture become more involved in the professional field. “Getting to know more students and helping them get more comfortable in professional settings while understanding the many career possibilities in the field of agriculture is my goal,” said Graham. “I want more students to take advantage of the opportunities that AFA provides through networking with some of the largest companies in agriculture.”

Graham has many plans to engage students on Findlay’s campus. She is planning to host information sessions, conduct multiple presentations about AFA and reach out to faculty and deans to raise awareness. AFA staff will work with her to set two SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound) goals about how to bring more awareness to campus. Additionally, she will play a role in the design and distribution of AFA materials.

“We’re really looking forward to working with these young leaders throughout this year,” said Ashley Collins, director of collegiate relations for AFA, in an interview with AFA. “Not only do they provide a lot of value to the organization, but this experience also sets them up for success in their future careers. This is a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Graham is adding this position to the list of experiential opportunities she has had during her time at Findlay. An Animal Science major, she is the 2019 Sophomore Class representative, a member of Findlay’s Collegiate Future Farmers of America (CFFA), Block and Bridle, the Cattle Show Team as well as the Southdown Sheep Show Team. She has also attended two AFA conferences and worked closely with companies Land O Lakes and Purina. “Findlay prepared me so well. We dove right into the nutrition and animal production courses right away,” said Graham.  “Being able to work with so many animals and experience the level of networking available at Findlay, both in class and through the clubs, has opened up so many opportunities for me.”