Indiana Society of American Foresters

Society of American Foresters Hononred at FFA Convention

For 40 years the Society of American Foresters has supported the National FFA Organization, and we were honored for that support on October 25th," reported Lee Huss who has coordinated the exhibit for Indiana SAF for the past two years. Huss said SAF was presented a plaque by FFA for their outstanding participation as an exhibitor at the FFA National Agriculture Career Show recently held at the Indiana Convention Center.

Huss said this is the 42nd annual show so SAF has been on board almost since the beginning. Though the Indiana Society was on hand to receive the commendation, Huss admits the credit is not theirs alone. Prior to coming to Indiana the SAF convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Kentucky-Tennessee Society of SAF hosted the exhibit for seven years. Before that the Missouri Society was responsible for the exhibit. (Photo: Lee Huss and Lynn Andrews answer questions from FFA students.)

"But the past two years while its been in Indiana we've had a wonderful opportunity to showcase forestry to the FFA membership. We had an exhibit designed specifically for the need we saw in the FFA convention as well as other similar type forums," noted Huss. "We had some money available, and believe it was dollars well spent because it truly is eye-catching and presents careers in forestry well."

The chapter also developed a brochure which caters specifically to the high school market for careers in forestry. Huss explained that they expect the convention to be in Indianapolis through 2012 so thought it worth an investment to represent forestry well during the period that Indiana would be on point. (Photo: Kelly and Dale Weigel from Indiana SAF receive the 40-year plaque from a representative from FFA.)

"Over 54,000 FFA members and their advisors come through the career show," said Huss, "and we see these young people as outdoor oriented and interested in the sciences. Many of them are already thinking about forest-related jobs. By being at the show and having some of our members present to talk to these young people we may help convince a few more of them to consider careers in forestry."

The Career show is an integral part of the annual national FFA convention which highlights career opportunities for agriculture students. With over 400 exhibitors, representatives from a variety of fields use the opportunity to interact with students and answer career questions.