The National FFA Organization named a new National FFA Advisor following the retirement of Steve Brown. Georgia-native James Woodard started in mid-November. He’s taking a closer look at creating the pipeline for agricultural careers. “We have a challenge in thinking through teacher recruitment and retention. The number of positions available versus the number of teachers and how we retain ag teachers for a long period of time,” said Woodard. “We also have, with the FFA moved out from under the Department of Education, organizational challenges.” Woodard is referencing the recently modernized National FFA Federal Charter. It was approved by voting delegates during the National FFA Convention. “We’ve got to work through the organizational chart and determine how all of those pieces come together.” Woodard is also a former FFA member and agricultural education instructor. “I would say I’m really excited for the interaction with agricultural professionals and FFA members across the nation.”
