Farrow named state FFA head

May 14, 2008 08:40 pm

— By BECKY CRISSMAN
becky.crissman@gaflnews.com

PITTS — He may not fly in his own airplane or sit in an oval office. He may not have a lot of secret service agents watching his every step, but Colton Farrow is still proud to hold his presidential office.
The eighteen year old senior from Wilcox County High School has recently been named president of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) for the entire state of Georgia.
Colton, who has been in the organization for six years, will serve his term for the 2008-2009 year. The state of Georgia has the third largest state association in the nation, with a total of about 27,600 members.
He was elected from a slate of 25 other candidates who went before a nominating committee that included 2007-2008 officers.
The nominating committee chose four candidates from each of the state’s three regions, and those twelve candidates gave a speech at the convention to more than 300 delegates and other attendees.
Delegates then narrowed the field down to six, two from each region. To be elected president, Farrow had to receive the majority of the votes from the delegates. Other offices were filled by candidates who had the next highest number of votes.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for Colton,” said John David McCall, FFA advisor at WCHS.
“As an officer he will have an opportunity to learn about government and politics. It will also help him continue to build and improve leadership skills, and these are things that are important. These are skills that will later on down the road help these young people excel in the workforce.”
Some of Farrow’s responsibilities for the year will include traveling all over the state and visiting agri-businesses. He also will be speaking at numerous FFA activities and banquets.
He will be going to Washington, D.C. for the state presidents’ convention. While there he will be training with national officers.
Farrow has previously served as an officer for Area 5 of the FFA. He has served as president, vice president, chaplain and sentinel for his local chapter.
Throughout his time in FFA, Farrow has participated in dairy judging and livestock judging. He now even owns a small beef herd with about 20 head of Angus cross cows. He has also competed in ag communication.
“Colton has played on the football and baseball team, has been an active member of the Beta Club, he sang at the FFA convention, and he sings in other places around the community,” explained another teacher, Philip McKie.
“He also sings a good deal in church and is very active in church activities. He even dedicates his time after school hours. He is a wonderful role model,’’ said McKie.
Farrow has won numerous awards including the Patriot Award, which is given to a WCHS athlete who has shown exemplary performances in sports, academics, school and community involvement.
After graduation Farrow will be attending ABAC in Tifton. He is aspiring to be a food animal veterinarian, and has already been accepted to the program at the University of Georgia. He was one of only five in the state to be accepted for that.
“I want to provide service for the larger animals. Everyone wants to be a small animal vet. I am considering working with the USDA or maybe private practice,” Farrow said.
McKie said he encourages any student interested to sign up for FFA. “It is not just for kids that were raised on farms. FFA offers Ag Communications, horticulture, small engine mechanics, and a tractor driving contest.”
The mission of FFA, according to Farrow, is to “make a positive difference in the lives of students, by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”

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