Once a thriving farming community, Pillager, Minnesota, has now diminished to only a few farms. My father and employer, Bruce Martin, owns a dairy farm ten miles northwest of Pillager. He feels the decrease of local farms is due to the lack of agricultural studies at school. Before my senior year, he would ask me to consider Staples Motley as an alternative place of education, because of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. Heather Collenson, author of the article “Missed Opportunities” states, “The main goal of the FFA is leadership development”. The program also helps students improve confidence, social development and teamwork.

The conflict at hand is keeping agricultural studies in small town schools such as Pillager. Unfortunately, these schools are under great financial pressure, and programs similar to FFA may be cut first. This year Pillager School has cut the Home Economics department and is questioning whether the Industrial Technology program will continue.

I enjoy my small town school, but my father’s suggestion may have given me a greater passion and understanding for agriculture. Pillager’s situation is not only a local problem, but can also relate to many other schools. FFA is an important program and should be introduced immediately.
Matt Martin
Senior at PHS
Pillager, Minn.