FFA Member Profile: Brianna Brogan, Treasurer

Tell us about your farm and family: I’m the fifth generation on my family’s century-old farm, Brogan Oak Heights, which began in 1898. We milk 600 cows, raise our own replacement heifers and feed out all of our steers with the feed we grow on 1,200 acres. I farm with my parents, Scott and Angie, as well as Uncle Keith, Grandpa Gerard, Grandma Lila and four siblings: Emily, Will, Tom and Mariah.

Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA because it’s a family tradition and, as I got more involved in FFA, I found my own path through it. I take pride in the new skills I’ve gained through the different opportunities I’ve taken in FFA.

What is your role in the chapter? As treasurer, my role in my chapter is to help with various FFA activities, enter deposits, keep a record of income and expenses and help run our two major chapter fundraisers.

What FFA contests do you compete in? I compete in several different contests, the main one being dairy cattle evaluation and management, but I’ve also done creed speaking, Farm Bureau discussion meet and placement proficiencies.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I most look forward to competing at state dairy judging in the spring and also competing for the state FFA Star in Production Placement and receiving my state degree this year.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? FFA has made me more confident and developed my leadership skills. I’ve had the opportunity to compete in several different LDEs which has allowed me to become more confident in my public speaking. I’ve also been able to be a chapter officer for three years which has helped me further develop my public speaking and made me a better leader. I’ve learned how to better listen to others and worked on my communication skills.

What are your duties on the farm? I contribute to the farm by feeding bottle calves daily in the mornings and afternoons when not at sports practice. I also do several other activities to help on the farm, such as helping move cattle from each pen, castrating, vaccinating and weaning calves. I also drive the tractor to help haul manure and plant and harvest crops. I also do other miscellaneous jobs when necessary.

What are your future plans? My current plan is to attend a four-year college and major in animal genetics, but I’m still considering my options. I also want to continue working on my family farm after high school over breaks or weekends, depending on where I go to college.