Thorsby School – The Future of Agriculture

Sep 18, 2025

We are proud to support the future of agriculture by sponsoring the Thorsby High School FFA! At Mckinnon Toyota we believe in investing in our local students and helping them grown into tomorrow’s leaders.

How FFA Helps High School Students Grow as Leaders and Professionals

When most people think of the Future Farmers of America they picture blue jackets, livestock shows, or agriculture classes. But today’s FFA is so much more—it’s an organization that empowers high school students with real-world skills, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community.

Leadership Development
FFA provides students with hands-on opportunities to practice leadership. From chapter officer roles to state conventions, students learn how to speak confidently, organize events, and lead teams—skills that carry into any career path, not just agriculture. The students at Thorsby School have been very successful and won three State Championships in Dairy Evaluation, Poultry Evaluation and Meat Evaluations. They will be traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana in later October to compete in our National Contests representing the State of Alabama.

While the main goal of this trip is to increase their educational experiences they also are excited to be able to network with industry leaders, meet fellow students from across the United States and hopefully bring home two more National Championships.

Career Preparation
Through Career Development Events (CDEs) like the National Championship and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), members gain practical, resume-worthy experience. These programs range from agribusiness and environmental science to communications and mechanics, giving students exposure to a wide variety of industries. Some of these experiences are expensive which is where sponsorships like the one we provided are critical to supporting these youth.

Personal Growth
FFA also emphasizes responsibility, integrity, and service. Whether it’s volunteering in their community or competing on a team, members build character while discovering their passions. Many students credit FFA with helping them step outside their comfort zone and realize their full potential.

Connection and Community
Being part of FFA means joining a network of supportive peers and mentors. High school students often form lifelong friendships and connections that extend far beyond graduation, creating a sense of belonging that’s just as important as the skills they learn. We wish the students from Thorsby School all the best, all of us at Mckinnon Toyota are are so proud of you!