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UW student returns after year as National FFA officer
Wyoming
Seth Heinert is back in Wyoming after traveling 100,000 miles through 34 states and Japan as a national officer representing the 450,000-plus members of FFA.
"Wherever you go, people love being in FFA," the University of Wyoming student reports. "I am in awe of the quality and caliber of people that FFA draws."
As national secretary for the organization, Heinert, a native of Alva and Hulett, focused on a platform of achieving leadership through trust, competence, credibility, character and providing a positive influence for others.
His long history of local and state 4-H and FFA leadership combined with his recent experiences as an ambassador for FFA and agriculture have left him, he says, with a greater understanding of "the importance of global agriculture and agricultural advocacy."
Following his election to national office, Heinert spent several weeks participating in training and team-building workshops with his fellow leaders before heading to Arkansas, his "experience state," for his first interaction with FFA students. There, as in several other states, he conducted motivational workshops, gave speeches, and helped others learn how to improve their speaking abilities.
"It was incredible to fly into these places and watch these amazing young people in action," he recalls. Their willingness to effectively communicate about the projects they are involved in, Heinert adds, is indicative of the welcoming atmosphere afforded by the organization.
"FFA offers acceptance to all of its members. The inclusive feeling of FFA is part of the heart and soul of what it's all about," he says.
Heinert provided a leadership role at 13 separate state conventions, giving keynote speeches, conducting seminars and visiting with chapter members. He recalls leaving Michigan when the temperature was barely above zero and arriving in Hawaii to a temperature of 78. "I got a lot of hate mail," he jokes, from fellow officers and friends who were fighting blizzards elsewhere. Another stop on his convention tour brought him back home for Wyoming's state FFA meeting.
During the year Heinert sat on the boards of directors for three national FFA gatherings to help adopt guidelines and policies. His visit to Japan to learn about foreign agriculture and trade and to meet FFJ (Future Farmers of Japan) members was "a real eye-opening experience." He says he was surprised to learn that the country imports 80 percent of its food and that its production practices differ dramatically from those followed in the U.S.
Heinert helped to celebrate national FFA week in California, provided leadership training for state officers in Mississippi, Indiana and Idaho and spent several weeks on goodwill tours of agricultural businesses and industries that support FFA.
A highlight of his trip to Washington, D.C., for a state presidents' conference was meeting President George Bush and Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman.
Heinert's traveling and year in office came to a close at the 2003 National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., where he says he had the "privilege" of introducing Stacia Berry, a UW student from Cheyenne, who has replaced him as national secretary. "It was kind of special for me to introduce her on stage," he recalls. "I wish her the best of luck. She has a phenomenal year ahead of her and will serve FFA well."
Heinert notes that nine FFA members from Wyoming have held national offices in the organization's 75-year history. "That's more than impressive. We blow any state away per capita," he says. "I think we need to be applauded for that but not rest on our laurels. It's our job to provide leadership, education and advocacy for youths, agriculture and the agricultural world."
In addition to the thrill of meeting people across the land, discovering new places and contributing a national voice to help shape the future of FFA, Heinert says one of the things he benefited from the most was his relationship with his fellow officers and the sharing of his personal faith.
"Anytime you serve in such a dynamic way with a group of five of your peers and go through the most challenging, difficult, stressful and yet rewarding year of your life, you are going to end up a lot closer," he explains. "The group that came together was very founded in its Christian beliefs, and without a doubt that was one of the important things that helped me."
Meanwhile, Heinert says, he is happy to be back at UW finishing his degree in animal science business. In the future he may pursue a graduate program in communications and marketing or perhaps attend law school.
"It's a great feeling to be back in the state. I'm really serious about that. It's good to come back home and let the wind blow me around a little bit," Heinert says. "I hope to continue to do things to make my home state proud."
Date: 2/4/04
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