FFA Member Profile: Rebecca Bos, Secretary

Tell us about your farm and family. My family is part of Hoogland Dairy located outside Maurice, Iowa. I come from a bigger family, with everyone having diverse interests in agriculture. My parents are Dean and Jean Bos. My dad serves as one of the herdsmen managers at the dairy, and my mom owns her own dog business. I have two older sisters: one is married with two kids and the other works as the health herdsman manager at our site that cares for a little over 1,000 cows. Additionally, I have three younger brothers who are all involved in agriculture in some way.

Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA because of my passion for agriculture and for the many different opportunities FFA offers. I wanted to be involved in something that sparked my interest and connected me with others who have similar interests. My sisters’ active involvement in FFA inspired me, and it didn’t take long for me to realize I loved it. I enjoy encouraging others and watching younger kids grow in their appreciation for agriculture. Being in FFA has enabled me to share my passion for agriculture and to appreciate farmers for all they do.

What is your role in the chapter? I have been an FFA member since my freshman year of high school. During my sophomore year, I served as the reporter of our chapter. Currently, I am a junior, and I am serving as secretary. I have played a role in many different committees, like planning FFA week and contributing to all our chapter events. This year, I will assist with organizing our FFA banquet. Additionally, I strive to help others by using my leadership skills and embracing my role as a leader.

What FFA contests do you compete in? I have competed in a variety of different contests. During my freshman year, I competed in conduct of meetings, nursery landscape and floriculture. In my sophomore year, I returned to conduct of meetings and advanced to state, earning third place. I also competed in agronomy, floriculture and vet science. This year, I am competing in parliamentary procedure and floriculture.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I look forward the most to competing in parliamentary procedure and being an active part of my chapter. I enjoy meeting new people and all of the many different experiences that come with it. I also love the opportunity to travel as a chapter and build connections with my adviser and fellow members.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? FFA has shaped me in many ways. Through competing in Career Leadership Development Events, I have gained more confidence in several skills. I’ve developed various leadership skills through collaborating with different individuals. It has taught me the importance of hard work to reach my goals as well as the power of making a positive impact.

What are your duties on the farm? My duties on the farm include taking care of calves in huts and sheds, helping with the cows’ health, bedding and cleaning alleys, maintaining a healthy environment for the calves and cows, and working in the field. Working on a farm involves a wide range of responsibilities that I get to be a part of, and I learn so much from that each day.

What are your future plans? I am still undecided on my future plans, but I’m considering something in the agriculture industry or medical field. If I choose to pursue a career in the medical field, I still plan to be active in agriculture in some way. Agriculture has always been a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine a future without it.