(GDN) — The Future Farmers of America are helping to preparing the nation’s youth for careers in agriculture. 

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners has proclaimed this as National FFA Week (February 19 – 26) in Wayne County. 

The proclamation was read to commissioners by Luke West, President of the Charles B. Aycock High FFA Chapter.

The proclamation states, “Agricultural Education and FFA ensure a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing needs in science, business and technology of agriculture.

West told the commissioners his family has been in agriculture for a very long time.

He says FFA also offers opportunities to learn leadership.

Wayne County Cooperative Extension Director Kevin Johnson also took the opportunity at last week’s meeting to talk about the state of agriculture in Wayne County.

Johnson says agriculture is in pretty good shape as commodity prices are high.

However, Johnson says costs are high for fuel, seed and fertilizer.

Johnson says there are still looming side effects for local hog growers following the closure of Goldsboro Milling Company.

COVID-19 and the supply chain are also negatively impacting farmers.

Read the full FFA Week proclamation below.