Rooted in Gilbert: How FFA Continues a Century of Agricultural Excellence
Rooted in Gilbert: How FFA Continues a Century of Agricultural Excellence
Holly Anderson
For generations, agriculture has been embedded in the identity of Gilbert, Arizona. Long before Gilbert became one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, it was known for its farmland, livestock, and strong agricultural roots, even earning the nickname “Hay Capital of the World.” Now, nearly a century later, students across Gilbert Public Schools are continuing that legacy in a modern way through Career and Technical Education (CTE) Agriscience programs and Future Farmers of America (FFA).
An exhibit at HD South is preserving and celebrating that history through the story of FFA and the students who helped shape Gilbert’s agricultural legacy. The exhibit, FFA in Gilbert - Cultivating Leadership, Service and Agricultural Excellence, will run til June 16th and features memorabilia, photographs, scrapbooks, historical documents, and artifacts from Gilbert FFA members throughout the decades. The exhibit highlights how agricultural education has evolved alongside the community while continuing to shape generations of future leaders.
Gilbert’s agricultural story began in the early 1900s when the Arizona Eastern Railway established a rail siding on land owned by William “Bobby” Gilbert. Supported by the Roosevelt Dam and canal systems built in 1911, the town quickly developed into a thriving farming community centered around hay production, livestock, and crop farming. As Gilbert grew, agriculture naturally became a part of students' learning. Gilbert High School officially established its FFA chapter in 1930, allowing students to develop leadership skills while learning farming, ranching, welding, livestock judging, and agricultural sciences. Historical records show that Gilbert FFA students competed in livestock shows, attended leadership conferences, organized community events, and represented Arizona at the national level in 1934.
While Gilbert looks very different today, agricultural education continues to thrive across Gilbert Public Schools through modern Agriscience programs that blend hands-on learning, industry certifications, leadership development, and career preparation. Today, students can explore pathways in animal/veterinary science, welding and fabrication, plant science, and agribusiness. Through these programs, students gain real-world experiences that prepare them for careers in agriculture, engineering, business, science, and skilled trades.
One of the most unique opportunities is located at Gilbert High School, home to only one of four high schools' meat processing facilities in the nation and the only one in Arizona. Students in the Agricultural Processing program learn industry-standard skills in meat evaluation, harvesting, packaging, and food safety while earning certifications and preparing for careers in animal science and food production. The hands-on learning helped continue Gilbert FFA’s legacy of their Meat Evaluation Team, earning a gold medal at the State Spring Conference and qualifying the team for the National FFA Convention, where they ranked silver across the 48 teams that competed.
Beyond livestock and meat science, Gilbert Public Schools students are continuing to redefine the modern industry of agriculture. Earlier this year, Campo Verde High’s FFA earned the People’s Choice Award at the Tempe Blooms Festival with their student-designed floral installation, “Rooted in Agriculture.” Students designed, welded, and built the entire display themselves, blending creativity with agricultural education while competing alongside professional floral designers.
Students within our programs also continue to excel in Leadership Development Events (LDEs), demonstrating skills in public speaking, agricultural communication, marketing, leadership, and teamwork. Recent regional competitions saw students from Gilbert, Campo Verde, Highland, and Mesquite High Schools earning top placements in events ranging from Agriscience Fair and Creed Speaking to Agricultural Education and Marketing Plan competitions.
At the national level, Gilbert Public Schools students and chapters continue to gain recognition for their accomplishments. Gilbert High School recently earned a Three-Star National Chapter Award, being the highest distinction awarded through the National Chapter Awards program, while several GPS students earned the prestigious American FFA Degree, an honor awarded to less than one percent of FFA members nationwide.
Agriscience programs throughout the district provide students with opportunities to earn industry certifications, dual-enrollment college credit, and experience that directly translates into future careers. Many students continue into postsecondary education, and others enter the workforce immediately with valuable technical and leadership skills. While the tools and technology of agriculture have evolved over the last century, the mission of FFA and Agriscience education in Gilbert remains the same: developing leadership, responsibility, service, and career readiness through meaningful, hands-on learning.
In a town that has grown from farmland into a thriving modern community, Gilbert Public Schools continues to honor its agricultural roots while preparing students to lead the future of agriculture and beyond. Community members are encouraged to visit the HD SOUTH exhibit and explore the stories, traditions, and accomplishments that continue to shape FFA and Agriscience education in Gilbert today.
FFA is just one of the many CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) that Gilbert Public Schools has to offer. These organizations, along with CTE courses, help to prepare students for academic and career success by developing skills in communication, relations, and character. All within a school day, students get the chance to learn and excel in different career paths. To learn more about the CTE pathways provided at Gilbert Public Schools, visit GilbertSchools.net/CTE.
Did you know Gilbert High's Meat Processing Lab is currently being updated?
Read more about the work that's been done over summer, and how it will support academic success.