TUSCULUM, TENN. (RFD News) — Some FFA members are taking agriculture beyond the classroom.
In East Tennessee, Dakin Thompson is focusing on agricultural fire prevention, helping farmers protect their livestock and property.
Thompson is gaining hands-on experience by volunteering with the Tusculum Volunteer Fire Department.
“My SAE is on agricultural fire prevention and safety. It’s about preventing fires in agricultural settings, and putting safety plans in place to help livestock not get hurt and people to be more safe.”
When visiting farms, Thompson says he walks producers through potential risks and reviews their emergency plans.
He uses a checklist to identify fire hazards and helps farmers think through evacuation plans in case of a barn fire.
In addition to his safety work, Thompson is also active in FFA through dairy competitions and community service.
For Thompson, it’s about more than awards. He says his goal is to make a difference and help keep his community safe.
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.
February 09, 2026 01:17 PM
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Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
February 05, 2026 02:22 PM
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February 02, 2026 02:50 PM
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.
January 27, 2026 06:00 AM
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Pennsylvania Farm Show scholarship recipient Elizabeth Dice discusses her award, her background in farming, and her path forward in the agriculture industry.
January 23, 2026 01:48 PM
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Brent Graves, auctioneer and mentor, shares his journey supporting youth in agriculture, livestock competitions, and how he is turning junior livestock auctions into a classroom for youth in agriculture.
January 13, 2026 02:43 PM
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