Airsman Found a Passion for Agriculture in the FFA

By Tim Hammerich, with the Ag Information Network of the West

Mia Airsman was elected as the new California State FFA Secretary last month. The graduating senior at Galt High School didn’t come from an ag background but developed a passion for the industry through her FFA experience.

“Growing up, I didn’t really have a background in ag. I don’t come from like a farm production or like any sort of ag background. I kind of found that love when I got to high school in our ag program,” said Airsman.“And so I just dove in headfirst, whether that was ag mechanics, floral, ag biology. I tried it out all my freshman year, and then from there I was able to kind of see that this was something that I could definitely pursue as a career.”

The association had to make an adjustment to elect their officers this year online. Airsman said it was stressful but worth it.

“I didn’t know what to expect originally going into it. This was all completely new to me, and then when everything got switched virtually, it was kind of challenging because you’re running for state office, like essentially from your bedroom, and it’s so anticlimactic,” said Airsman.

“But I kind of also enjoyed being able to be at home, but there was like a lot of anxiety leading up to it because you’re constantly waiting for your camera to pop on, and then suddenly you’re being interviewed. So I would say it was a little bit stressful and nerve-wracking, but in the end, it was completely worth it.”

The FFA organization continues to create passionate leaders for agriculture.