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
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:

Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.