It's National FFA Week, which means 579,678 FFA members representing 7,570 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are celebrating the agriculture and food industries in recognition of George Washington's birthday and his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.

Agriculture shaped who I am as a person. As a farmer's daughter, agriculture is not only part of my DNA, but also part of my future. As an alumna of Oklahoma State University with a degree in agricultural communications and a master's in international agriculture, agriculture paved my path as a communicator, designer and photographer.

While I took my tenure as an FFA member all the way to the stage at the National FFA Convention to receive my American FFA Degree, I understand going all in may not be for everyone. I get it. As a mom to a tiny human myself, I'm already learning how difficult it can be to juggle all the schedules. 

However, FFA instills more life-long skills in our future leaders than many other organizations. And, for that, I'm eternally grateful. 

Three reasons your kids should join FFA

1. You don't need to be a farmer or rancher to be an FFA member.
   FFA is equal-opportunity. Whether you're rural, urban or suburban, you enjoy photography, science, nutrition or engineering, FFA supports your goals and ambitions.
   

2. You learn by doing.
   Through the more than 30 career development events such as horticulture, agricultural communications, farm business management and more, members learn through hands-on, industry-focused, real-world events.
   

3. It's a family affair.
   As an FFA alumna and ag teacher's wife, I can speak for the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents and community leaders who build up FFA members and support their projects. From volunteering countless hours at county livestock shows to driving hundreds of miles to national convention, an entire community supports tomorrow's leaders.

And, while we're at it, a bonus reason: because your kids just might meet the friends they carry with them for the rest of their lives.