Agriculture + Lifestyle

Meet Dawson Adams, FFA South Region State Vice President

Posted on April 24, 2019 12:00 AM

What aspect of your tenure as a state officer have you enjoyed the most?

By Dawson Adams, FFA South Region State Vice President

My time as a state officer has been a blast. When asked to choose what my favorite part about my tenure of being a state officer, I go back to my life lessons from the farm.

I enjoy having the opportunity to make new friends. This year has been a year of firsts for me. I flew on a plane for the first time, facilitated conferences and traveled thousands of miles. These experiences would not have been the same without my teammates and closest friends. These seven individuals have been the most supportive, fun, and adventurous friends anyone could ask for. I am blessed to spend the year serving Georgia FFA with them.

The friends do not stop there. I have the opportunity to befriend over forty-two thousand Georgia FFA members. I love getting to spend time with them at conferences, Career Development Events and chapter visits. It is remarkable to hear everyone’s story, and learn about what agriculture is like in their part of Georgia.

Along with all of these, I get to spend time with politicians and college administration such as President Morehead of The University of Georgia, Dean Pardue of The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, Congressman Rick Allen, Representative Terry England, House Ag Committee Chairman Tom McCall, and the list goes on. These people have shared stories and knowledge with me that I will hold onto forever. Hearing about what FFA was like when they were in it gives me a sense of pride to continue what they have begun.

The common thread with all of these experiences and people is that they teach me every day what it means to truly live to serve. FFA chapters like Long County High FFA who has started a hurricane relief project. Central Region FFA members gathering at their leadership rally to collect 4,212 lbs of canned foods. Local Farm Bureau Board Members that take time away from their farms and livelihoods to serve others and advocate for agriculture to support our growing population. Agriculture educators who spend their weekends teaching students why they believe in the future of agriculture. This year has been the most incredible opportunity of my life. I am thankful for each and every person that has impacted me and will impact me this year.