Who wouldn’t enjoy a complementary week long trip to Washington, D.C.? This is exactly what Shelly Patton, a Madison County High FFA student received after being chosen as one of ten winners out of almost 300 entries to the 2007 Risk Management Essay Contest. Each year the USDA’s Risk Management Agency and the National FFA Association co-sponsor the essay contest in order to promote awareness of managing risks in farming operations. Patton, the first-ever winner from Georgia, one of her agricultural education teachers, Ms. Trisha Stephens, and the other nine finalists, spent May 2-6 in Washington, D.C. compliments of the National FFA Association.

Guided by one of her agricultural education teachers, Ms. Cindy Jones, Patton wrote and essay on the risk management strategies used in her supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and analyzed the strategies and tools used to minimize hazards by applying these managing techniques. Patton realized while writing her essay “that many common practiced could be considered risk management.”

While in Washington, D.C., Patton stayed very busy. She got to meet out state’s senators, tour the Capitol and the White House, meet with the Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Johanns, hear remarks from the National FFA Advisor, Dr. Larry D. Case, see almost every monument, and go on a boat tour of Washington at night. Patton says that her favorite part was “spending time with the other nine finalists.” This bonding time “allowed [them] to become lifelong friends.” Another memorable part of this experience for Patton was “spending time with Coty Black,” a present National FFA officer. Patton says this experience was “one of a lifetime and one [she] will never forget!”

Patton says she “really encourages anyone to participate in this essay contest.” This contest is one of many that the FFA helps to offer every year. The 2008 Risk Management Essay Contest will kick off during the National FFA Convention in October 2007. After the kick off and the rules have been released, students can begin submitting essays. All entries must be post marked January 21, 2008 in order to be considered. Patton is a junior at Madison County High School. Her SAE is in the area of beef production. In 2007, she was awarded North Region Star Farmer. Her agricultural education teachers are Ms. Cindy Jones, Ms. Trisha Stephens, Mr. Jerry Taylor, and Ms. Kay Farmer.