I’ve just wrapped up an incredible tour through the FFA Career Fairs in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Colorado, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you all. These events have been a whirlwind of inspiration, connection and discovery, highlighting the bright future of our agricultural industry.

Oregon

My journey started in Oregon where the Oregon GCSA and Oregon State University partnered with a booth. The students here are not only passionate about agriculture but also incredibly curious about the diverse career paths available to them. I had the pleasure of introducing many of them to the world of turfgrass management, an area they hadn’t considered before. Their questions were insightful, and their eagerness to learn was contagious. It was a fantastic start to my tour!

Idaho

Next up was Idaho, and it felt like we took the momentum from Oregon and cranked it up a notch. Here, I partnered with the Idaho GCSA and again with Oregon State University to showcase turfgrass management career opportunities. Idaho FFA members are known for their dedication and drive, and they did not disappoint. Our booth was buzzing with activity as students explored the possibilities within the golf industry. We discussed everything from sustainable practices in turf management to the technological innovations shaping the future of golf courses. It was great to see so many young minds light up with the realization that there’s a whole new world of agriculture waiting for them.

Washington

Washington brought a new level of discovery. This time the Inland Empire GCSA partnered with Oregon State University. The students here were particularly interested in the environmental impact of turfgrass management. We had meaningful conversations about conservation, water management and the science behind maintaining healthy turf. Clearly, these future leaders are committed to making a positive impact on our planet, and they’re eager to bring fresh ideas to the table.

Colorado

Colorado was the perfect place to wrap up the career fair tour. The Rocky Mountain GCSA took the lead at this event and the CSU Turf and Landscape booth was right next to us.  Superintendent Joe Kunze was invited to take part in a career exploration event while there. The energy here was electric, with students demonstrating a strong interest in how technology is revolutionizing our industry. We delved into discussions about drones, precision agriculture, and the latest advancements in turfgrass science. It was inspiring to see how these young individuals are already thinking ahead and planning for the future.

Washington Association of Agriculture Educators

Finally, Leann Cooper and I had the opportunity to present The First Green to Washington Ag teachers at the Washington Association of Agricultural Educators conference in Shelton, Wash. Our presentation, "Golf Courses as Learning Labs," was well received, sparking engaging discussions and curiosity among educators.

The following day, we took teachers to Salish Cliffs Golf Course, part of the conference facility, to experience firsthand what a golf course can offer as a learning environment. The response was overwhelmingly positive with many educators eager to integrate these insights into their curriculum.

Reflecting on the Journey

I am more optimistic than ever about the future of turfgrass science and the FFA. The students I met throughout the Northwest region are passionate, knowledgeable and eager to learn and innovate. They are the future of our industry, and it’s clear that we’re in good hands.

These career fairs have shown me that there is a wealth of untapped potential in our young people, and it’s our responsibility to guide and support them as they navigate their paths. I’m proud to be part of this opportunity and to help cultivate the next generation of superintendents and innovators.