| FFA Nation

Meet Landan Schaffert, National FFA Secretary

03/09/2011 |

Growing up on a farm in the rural agricultural community of Otis, Colorado, Landan Schaffert had a love for agriculture very early in life. As the oldest of four sisters and three brothers, Landan was actively involved in helping his parents run the Angus cattle farm, and when he joined FFA, he incorporated the family farm into his beef production supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). While in high school, Landan also participated in FFA Creed, Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking career development events.

How did you overcome stage fright in FFA public speaking events?
Presenting the FFA Creed in front of a small crowd as a freshman was a bit frightening, but as I continued to participate in speaking events, I became more confident, skilled and comfortable speaking in front of larger and larger audiences. With lots of practice and a willingness to grow, I eventually overcame stage fright and now greatly enjoy public speaking.

Why has FFA been such a big part of your life so far?
FFA is an enormous part of my life, because it provides me with the opportunity to develop leadership skills while building friendships with other members. As well, FFA has enabled me to benefit from the knowledge and skills I have gained in the classroom and through my supervised agricultural experience program (SAE) by allowing me to put them to use in CDEs and proficiencies.

A phrase used a lot about the National FFA Officers is “servant leadership.” How do you define servant leadership?
To me, servant leadership is best described as humbly serving others. Servant leaders are those who possess an authentic desire to positively impact the lives of others. Leaders with a true servant heart do not seek recognition for performing good deeds of service.

This issue focuses a lot on FFA history. What moment in FFA's history do you think has made the biggest impact on the organization and why?
I believe that opening FFA membership to girls in 1969 was the moment that made the biggest impact on the organization, because women deserve the same right as men to participate in FFA. Furthermore, girls have made extremely significant contributions that have helped advance the organization and increase membership.

Follow the National FFA Officers' blog to learn more about their adventures this year.