National Future Farmer

The FFA goes abroad every year to
promote international good will. This
project is a State Department sponsored
event which allows a healthy exchange
of ideas among the world's young
farmers.
Future Farmers were represented in
Japan last year by former National
FFA Vice President Jerry Ringo and
E. J. Johnson, program specialist of
the U. S. Office of Education. Ringo
Johnson and Ringo examine Japanese
carrds and radishes at a local farm
show during one of fheir many stops.
By the time Ringo and Johnson
reached the Philippines, they felt like
veteran "ambassadors of agriculture."
Officials of the FFP proudly dis-
played their newly-organized official
manual to the American visitors. "They
were also quite eager to tell us about
their first National Convention held
last year," Johnson says.
The Philippine itinerary was similar
to the Japan trip. Visits to schools and
colleges took most of their time. Both
Johnson and Ringo report the Philippinos
as outstanding speakers and su-
perior presiding officers.
"Many girls are enrolled in agricul-
tural courses," Ringo says, "since they
perform a considerable amount of the
total farm work in the Philippines."
"We all profit from this international
exchange of minds," Johnson asserts,
"it allows the free exchange of farming
ideas and promotes farm youth prin-
ciples in a healthy atmosphere of cooperation."
Both Johnson and Ringo agree on
24
I I I FFA Goes
Spanning continents and oceans. Future Farmers are carrying
their aims and purposes to other lands in a spirit of good Mill.
JAPAN
and Johnson traveled throughout the
four main islands visiting agricultural
high schools, colleges, farm homes, and
cities.
PHILIPPINES
'It was a pleasure to explain American
FFA activities to these sincere
people," Ringo says, "and it was satisfying
to observe the great success of
the FFJ movement."
Johnson reports the National FFJ
Convention as the highlight of their
visit to the Japanese island empire.
"It was conducted in a most dignified
manner," he relates.
These FFA leaders spoke to more
than 30,000 high school students during
their tour. They were entertained
in large city hotels and spacious inns
of resort towns, but Ringo says their
most enjoyable experiences came in
the friendly, home-like atmosphere of
FFJ members' homes.
Johnson welcomes fo U.S. Masaru Tak- Unusual judo wrestling robes are given
ahashi, national FFJ president, and Tor- to Ringo and Johnson at a PTA ban-
alchi KurlsaikI, FFJ secretary general. quet of Toralchi Kurisaiki's school.
another thought. "We'll not soon for-
get our visit to these countries and the
warm welcome we received. It's a
real tribute to farm youth everywhere."
A chapter president shows replica of
Carabao plow to Ringo. Plow is used
In the Philippine opening ceremony.
Philippine student discusses his poultry
records with his agriculture teacher.
Ringo and Johnson observe methods.
The National FUTURE FARMER
- s
Student farmers tell their vegetable
problems to Johnson and Ringo. About
half of class time is spent in the field.