Less than 2 percent of Americans live and work on a farm today. This has caused a severe disconnect between producers and consumers. This cause has struck the heart of Stephen McBride, the newly elected president of the Tennessee FFA Association.
McBride grew up on a sheep and cattle farm in Jackson, Tenn. with his parents and brothers. However, right before he entered high school hi family moved to a subdivision in town, changing their location and perspective.
“I understood then how easy it is to be oblivious about agriculture,” McBride said. “With the majority of our nation removed from the farm, I have made it my goal to inform those around me about the importance of agriculture in their lives.”
As a conclusion to the 84th Tennessee State FFA Convention in Gatlinburg, McBride was elected State FFA President for 2012-2013.
Joining McBride to serve as state FFA officers for 2012-2012 are Maryanna McClure of the Dyersburg FFA Chapter as state vice president-west, Josh Turner of the Warren County FFA Chapter as state vice president- middle, Jessie Campbell of the Sweetwater FFA Chapter as state vice president- east, Mitch Baker of the Baxter FFA Chapter as state secretary, Grant Saum of McNairy Central FFA Chapter as state treasurer, Christy Chicas of the Station Camp FFA Chapter as state reporter and Hannah Dugger of Johnson County FFA Chapter as state sentinel.
“I want to serve this year to encourage and motivate members to finish their race,” McBride said. “As Mr. Kenneth K. Mitchell would say ‘We have a past to uphold, and a future to mold’.”
McBride is currently a senior and plans to attend the University of Tennessee- Martin and major in agricultural communications. He is the son of Mark and Carol McBride and his agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors are Christine Brown and Adam WIllmore. Farm Bureau Insurance sponsored the entire state officer selection process.
For the next year, McBride and his state officer peers will be the face and spirit of FFA. Collectively, they will travel thousands of miles throughout the state as they engage top leaders in business, government and education and lead a host of personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will also help set policies that will shape the future of the Tennessee FFA Association and promote agricultural literacy in general.
