Ag education classes may contribute to preparing Matthew Grosshans for a future life on the farm, but it’s his FFA experiences that will help prepare him for life, in general.
Leadership, character, citizenship, volunteerism, confidence, time management, teamwork, communication skills -- Grosshans said FFA goes far beyond ag education as involvement in the organization develops members’ potential.

The Aurora FFA Chapter president has taken a wide variety of ag classes -- from animal science, ag economics and environmental ag to metals construction.
He’s entered multiple projects in the county fair -- from welding boards and saw horses to his senior project of restoring an International Farmall B tractor.
He’s competed in junior and senior parliamentary procedure contests, ag mechanics competition and this year will take part in the ag issues contest -- a speaking event.
But the intangibles that evolve out of FFA are what will take him the furthest, he said.
“The leadership skills you gain are what’s important,” he said. “FFA takes you out of your comfort zone and exposes you to things you wouldn’t normally be exposed to. It helps you get along with all people and teaches you to work together.”
Grosshans said public speaking, in particular, has made an impact on him.
“It’s things like public speaking, things I’ve done before, that will be beneficial in the future,” he said. “FFA teaches you a lot of life skills that will help you now and in the future.”

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