The National FFA Organization works to increase science and agriculture education opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest governmental organizations in the country.
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Benita Hodge, Survey Administrator at the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the first African American woman to earn the prestigious title of American FFA -Diploma. Her continued work with FFA helps students and teachers understand the wide range of careers in agriculture and inspires future leaders to do what they love.
Listen to the full episode with host Aaron Alejandro and Benita Hodge here.
“A place for everyone”
Benita Hodge knew early on that she had an affinity for nature. In rural Texas, where she grew up, she spent time with her grandparents, who tended what she called a “small acreage.” Visiting her high school’s FFA chapter, Hodge immediately felt a sense of belonging. “I’ve learned that even though I didn’t grow up on a farm or ranch, there was still a place for me in farming and in the FFA,” says Hodge.
Hodge immediately “jumped in” to FFA. Exposure to her Ag teachers in Horticulture and Animal Sciences, attending national events, and joining a professional network of producers, engineers, educators and more led Hodge to discover her passion for statistics. According to Hodge, the “accountability, responsibility, professionalism and leadership” skills she acquired at the FFA gave her a competitive edge. A series of strategic internships led her to her first position at the USDA, where she has been ever since.
write history
“Not everyone is the first,” says Alejandro. In fact, Hodge is proud to be the first African American to earn America’s prestigious FFA degree. Still to achieve that…
