On a sunny March 23 last, a crowd of folks who support the youth of Florida drove the winding Firehouse Road to the FFA Training Center in eastern Polk County. [emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
Each year, young people from FFA chapters statewide converge at the training center that plays such an important role in their lives. They feast with parents, friends, and supporters of agriculture, as well as those hunting for exotic food, great music, and renewing relationships.
FFA confers the ability to communicate. This ability produces the confidence to succeed, and as a result, all the FFA members I talk with have a plan for their lives. Having the focus that FFA provides enables young people to pursue any occupation they desire, be it in agriculture or not, and that is what the Annual Beast Feast and Auction supports.
This year we feasted on gator, deer meet, ice cream, fried Oreos, corn, and a host of other exotic foods. There were auction items galore. The live auction is exciting whether one bids or not. I was sad I did not win cow poop bingo, or the card drawing. But everyone who came won the pleasure of associating with so many positive folks.
I’ve been a member of the FFA Foundation board for several years. To my knowledge I’m the first lawyer. I stress that an agricultural trial lawyer is no different than any other ag consultant, be it chemicals or fertilizer. We offer a unique service that takes place in a strange courtroom environment, which is home to me. It is my hope that an FFA young man or woman will follow this path.
CREDITS
column by MICHAEL MARTIN
BIO: Michael Martin of Martin Law Office in Lakeland specializes in agriculture and environmental legal representation. A native of Polk County, Mike attended college at Sewanee in Tennessee before obtaining a doctorate in law from the University of Florida. He has tried numerous cases nationwide since that time. [/emember_protected]
