Urbana FFA wrapped up another successful year, providing students with premier leadership opportunities, personal growth, and career development. While the organization remains rooted in agricultural education, the program has expanded to include a wide array of leadership and life skills, from public speaking and financial literacy to recordkeeping and career experience.
For the 2025–2026 school year, the Urbana Ag Ed program serves 153 students in grades 8–12 and is advised by Mr. Steve Wilhelm and Mrs. Mallory Zachrich. The FFA program is intra-curricular and anchored through any of the eight agricultural courses offered at Urbana City Schools.
Giving Back to the Community
Community leadership is central to Urbana FFA’s mission. In 2025, chapter members donated approximately $1,500 to local charities including the Caring Kitchen and the American Cancer Society. Additionally, students organized a “Meals of Hope” event, packaging over 35,000 shelf-stable meals that were distributed to area food pantries.
FFA Farm Day
One of the most anticipated events each year is FFA Farm Day, where Urbana FFA members host a field trip for all Urbana Elementary 1st graders. Students and staff visit a local farm and rotate through educational stations covering market animal production, dairy production, ice cream making, drones and ag technology, mechanics, plant anatomy, horse rides, and more. Local sponsors also provide t-shirts for participants. The next FFA Farm Day is scheduled for May 10, 2026.
Travel and Leadership Opportunities
Urbana FFA offers students numerous travel experiences, including state and national FFA conventions, leadership conferences, and FFA camp in Carrollton, Ohio—affectionately known as “the happiest place on dirt.” Looking ahead, the chapter plans international travel, including a trip to Ireland in summer 2027.
Career Development Events (CDEs)
Students also participate in Career Development Events (CDEs) to learn, compete, and showcase their skills. In 2025, Urbana FFA competed in Public Speaking, Milk Quality Products, Vet Science, Livestock Evaluation, Equine Evaluation, Ag Power, Soils, Farm Business Management, Job Interview, and Food Science. New CDEs for 2026 will include Meat Evaluation and Agronomy. Many teams and individuals have placed in the top ten at the state level, reflecting the chapter’s strong competitive presence.
Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) Projects
A key component of the program is the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Each student develops a project, ranging from market animals and gardens to research projects, jobs, or entrepreneurship. SAE projects teach time management, responsibility, recordkeeping, and valuable career skills.
Highlights from 2025 include:
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National Finalist: Sam Wilhelm in Poultry Production
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National FFA SAE Grant Recipient: Levi Zachrich
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State Degree Recipients: Lyza Forson and Brooklyn Randall
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American Degree Recipients: Nathan Deere and Jonathan Hildebrand
Candidates for 2026 include:
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State Degree: Lola Rice and Clayton Schafer
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American Degree: Kianna Gsell, Bryce Stambaugh, and Sam Wilhelm
Looking Ahead
Urbana FFA and the Ag program at Urbana City Schools continue to provide students with hands-on, engaging education and life-changing opportunities. As the chapter reflects on 2025 and looks forward to 2026, students are poised to continue growing as leaders, scholars, and community members, building on the successes of the past year.
