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hildren are our future" rings true in every aspect of our world, and the agriculture industry is no exception. With more than half of Montana's agriculture producers teetering on retirement and the average age of Montana farmers at 59.2, it is critical for our youth to take an interest in preserving America's agricultural heritage. Montana's farmers and ranchers produce grains, pulse crops, and livestock that feeds the world. The 2017 USDA Census for Agriculture showed a 10% decrease in family, individual, and partnership agricultural operations from the prior 2012 reporting. Young producers (age 35 and below) are solely responsible for nearly 5 million acres of Montana's 58 million acres of farm and ranch land. The Montanans preparing to leave the industry are dedicated to passing down their hard-earned knowledge of our state's number one economic industry. There are several options to get involved for novice and the most experienced youth, alike. FFA (Future Farmers of America): As of 2020, agricultural education was taught in 92 public schools in Montana by 96 teachers. Montana's FFA enrollment is at 5,271 members. The Electric City FFA Chapter in Great Falls has 22 members and has been steadily increasing since the beginning of 2009, representing four schools in the chapter: CMR, GFHS, Centerville, and Central Catholic. FFA is an intra-curricular part of the agricultural education curriculum. It is not an extra-curricular activity occurring after school. Using an old farm analogy, FFA is one leg of the three- legged milk stool. The other two legs are 1) classroom and laboratory instruction, and 2) Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE), where students develop a project in one of the vast agricultural fields and keep accurate records of all labor, earnings, and expenses. To take part in FFA, contact your school's counselor or agriculture teacher. 4-H: 4-H in Montana has become one of the largest out-of-school youth programs in the state, reaching 20,000 youth and 4,000 volunteers on seven reservations and in 56 counties. Cascade County 4-H is home to 396 youth and 112 volunteers who engage in communication, leadership, team building, and career-building experiences. Cascade County 4-H members work diligently to "make the best better" of themselves, our community service projects, and volunteering. Contact the MSU Cascade County Extension office at (406) 454-6980 for more information on how you can enroll your child or become a volunteer. Join Montana Farmers Union for Arrowpeak Summer Camp in the Highwood Mountains! The camps at MFU's Arrowpeak Lodge in the Highwood Mountains are aimed at enhancing cooperative teamwork and leadership skills. Activities at the weeklong sessions include dances, theme nights, a talent show, arts and crafts, co-op games, team building, nature hikes, and Ag education. Campers form life-long friendships at camp! 2021 Camp Dates: Junior 1 Camp: June 20-24 Teen 1/Senior Camp: July 11-16 Teen 2 Camp: July 18-23 Junior 2 Camp: July 25-29 Registration opens in April. Visit montanafarmersunion.com for more information, and follow them on Facebook at Montana Farmers Union Camps for announcements. (406) 452-6406 37 Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce www.greatfallschamber.org A G R I C U LT U R E Cultivating the Future of Agriculture: FFA and 4-H "C Feeding the world sustainably so it can thrive As the planet evolves, so does our approach to nourishing it. Constant population growth presents a unique challenge, but at Cargill, we've been addressing the issue from every angle. We're forever in pursuit of new solutions, developing the innovations that help us feed the planet while conserving its resources. Learn more by visiting cargill.com © 2019 Cargill, Incorporated Photo by Photo Solutions