FFA Today: South Side Chicago is proving agriculture isn’t just for rural areas

When people hear FFA, they often think of farms, tractors, and wide-open fields. But on the South side of Chicago, the Gary Comer Youth Center FFA Chapter is proving that agriculture can grow anywhere, even on a rooftop. Their mission is to inspire the community to see ag in a whole new way.

Aniyah Smith and Janay Bussell joined RFD-TV’s Suzanne Alexander to discuss what led them to FFA, their rooftop farm, and how their chapter gives back to the community.

Related Stories
This week in Washington, National FFA members are advocating for the agriculture industry on Capitol Hill for National Ag Day.
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
Success requires more than talent — on this week’s FFA Today, agriculture students show us the hard work, dedication, and teamwork required to gain important skills outside of the classroom through the National FFA Organization.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

U.S. Farmers Navigate Harvest Pace, Costs, Policy Shifts
Land values are increasing faster than farm income, making it more challenging for young and beginning farmers to expand, but supporting equity for current landowners.
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Crop Insurance, and a Business Planning Complication
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
UC Davis Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Frank Mitloehner joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to preview the festivities and share why this event has become such a special tradition for the ag community.