Tennessee FFA Association - State Officers - President

President

Name:   Matthew McBride  
Home Chapter:   Liberty FFA Chapter in Jackson, TN  
SAE:  
  I’m actively involved with my father and brother in raising Registered Angus cattle. Our herd consists of around 60 head of cows and replacement heifers. I also assist my grandmother in her Angus-influenced commercial herd.  
Favorite CDE:
  Livestock Judging has always been a favorite of mine. I have raised and shown sheep, cattle, and hogs, which has given me a broad knowledge of livestock. Public Speaking has also been very rewarding.  
How You Got Involved In The FFA:  
  FFA has always been a topic of discussion in my family, from my dad being State President in 1980-81, to my uncles being very active in the Iowa FFA Association. So basically the opportunity was there for me to get involved, and I chose to follow in my father’s footsteps. I’m very glad I’ve had the opportunity to be active in this great organization.  
Most Influential Role Model:
  It’s hard to narrow this down to one single person because so many people have helped me get to where I am today, but in all honesty my mother has to be my most influential role model. She has always been there for me, and helped me with whatever I needed help with. She has truly been my conscience and has helped be my driving force.
Most Memorable Moment in FFA:
  Walking out on the stage at National FFA Convention and receiving 3rd place in the National Prepared Public Speaking CDE. It was an unbelievable event in my life, and even though I didn’t win 1st place, I feel I did the best I could do, and represented Tennessee well.
Future Plans:
  I would like to finish my degree in agriculture business and pursue a career in the agricultural industry. I’m not sure yet what field I will embark upon, but my goal is to inform our society about the importance of agriculture.
Message To The Greenhand Members:
  Get involved! This organization is for everyone who wants to succeed. Don’t ever give up! The lessons we gain from the FFA prepare us for the real world. To have better jobs, better people skills, and will open doors for our future that we don’t even know exist.
If You Could Travel Anywhere In The World:
  I would choose South America. There are tons of great places to vacation, but in places like Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay agriculture is booming. They are taking over our markets and why? We need to learn what is the driving force of these people and learn from them so we can keep American agriculture strong.

 


© 2008 Tennessee FFA Foundation