The Future Farmers of America program allows high school students the opportunity to learn first hand about a number of things related to agriculture. But along with the educational aspect, it also allows students to build relationships with others in the program. Dale Long is a member of the FFA program at Broken Arrow High School and he says that the relationship aspect is something that he really enjoys.

“I think my favorite memory of being in FFA is the friends that I have made and being able to hang out with them.”

Dale is a junior at Broken Arrow. As a member of FFA, he has shown pigs and judged livestock.

Throughout his life, there have been a number of people that have had an impact on Dale’s life. But out of all of them, he said that there are two that have played the biggest role.

“The role models for my life would have to be my parents,” Long said. “They have always supported me and given me good advice. My dad had a really big influence on me deciding to join FFA. He was involved in it when he was younger and that encouraged me to do it.”

Jenna Dupree is the FFA sponsor at Broken Arrow and she says that Long is an outstanding young man and a leader among his peers.

“Dale is a leader in our chapter who is great at mentoring the younger members,” Dupree said. “He is someone the younger members look up to. Dale is polite and kind and always represents our chapter well.”

When he wears the blue FFA jacket with his name and his school name on it, Long knows that he is there for more than just himself.

“It means a lot to me to be able to represent my high school and community,” he said. “I am proud to be able to do it.”