State Representative Dave Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) and fellow state representatives welcomed a group of House pages on Thursday as part of the Future Farmers of America Page Day. Rep. Wolkins was joined by Lane Wolf from Whitko High School.

“The FFA is a great organization, and it was a pleasure to meet with Lane and other members of the FFA at the Statehouse,” said Rep. Wolkins. “I applaud the organization and its integrated model of agricultural learning that provides students with an innovative and leading-edge education.”

According to the organization’s website, FFA was founded more than 80 years ago to educate young people about the business, science and art of farming. Over time, the organization has risen to the challenge of feeding a growing population, and expanded its mission to encompass related fields, including biology, chemistry, veterinary medicine, engineering and entrepreneurship. Today, there are nearly 580,000 FFA members in 7,570 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Indiana chapter, in particular, has 9,600 members.

“FFA has a long-standing tradition of excellence in this state, and it is always an honor to work with an organization that is responsible for cultivating curiosity, growth and practical knowledge in so many of our young people,” said Rep. Wolkins.