When tractors roll into the high school parking lot in February, it's no joke. It's a statement about one of McHenry County’s fastest-growing programs, one fully embraced by Harvard High School students.
Drive Your Tractor to School Day caps off National Future Farmers of America Week, and it's entirely student-led. Senior Maynard Jones keeps the tradition alive after a program alum restarted it years ago. It's just one example of how students in advisor Leah Hossfeld's program don't just participate in agriculture education, they live it.
“We all get together to plan our events,” Maynard said. “And if problems come up, we solve them together.”
That student ownership extends to Crosby Ag Day each spring, where members bring animals and tractors to teach elementary students about agriculture. It shows in the leadership approach taken by officers like vice presidents Braden Wittum, Maynard and president Payton Malinowski, who lead by example rather than just holding titles.
"People follow us because we’re presidents and vice presidents, they'll pay attention, and follow our lead," Braden said. "So if we're doing well in school, we're keeping up with all of our work, we're attending FFA, then other people want to follow and take our steps."
What makes Harvard FFA unique is its accessibility. Maynard comes from a farming heritage spanning more than 50 years. Braden grew up showing cattle and pigs connected to his grandfather's beef herd. But Payton, the program's president, had an altogether different experience.
"Personally, I didn't grow up with an ag background, which I know people think is kind of weird since I am the president," Payton said. "But when I was a kid, I always loved animals. It was like my favorite thing."
The program offers something for everyone, whether students compete in three sports or dedicate themselves solely to FFA. Competition options span soil judging, meat judging, dairy judging and agronomy. Recent experiences have taken students to Springfield, John Deere facilities and the National Convention in Indianapolis. Payton and classmate Hevlihn Howarth became the first Harvard students to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in DC, where they connected with students from across the country.
"You don't only see yourself grow. You see everybody around you grow too, and you realize that you can do something small and make a difference," Payton said.
Those experiences are opening doors to possible careers. Maynard plans to pursue farming. Braden intends to study crop science or agronomy and eventually establish his own beef herd. Payton, inspired by Hossfeld, plans to become an agriculture teacher herself and work toward becoming a Washington Leadership Conference facilitator.
"She really played a big role for me, and she's so supportive of everybody," Payton said of her advisor.
The program thrives because of strong community support. Alumni manage the agricultural plot behind the Junior High, handle banking and accounts, and meet monthly to ensure FFA's sustainability. Local farmers who participated in the program themselves contribute donations and assistance.
"I think we have one of the most supportive communities behind us, and they are always helping us with everything," Braden said. "Our local farmers really help us too, because they want our program to keep going. They don't want it to die, because they all did it."
Ask these student leaders what they'd tell their peers about joining FFA, and the message is the same: seize the opportunity. Maynard joined because a friend encouraged him. "I haven't regretted a single minute of it. It's been fun from freshman year all the way to senior year," he said.
Braden wishes he'd attended the National Convention earlier. "That's the one thing I regret that I didn't do," he said. His advice: "If there's an open opportunity, take it, because then later on the road, if you don't take it, you'll probably end up regretting it."
Payton emphasized the relationships that come with membership. "Joining FFA is something that you won't regret doing. It's so fun. You make so many new friends and you can convince your friends to join."
As FFA continues its growth in McHenry County, the program proves that agricultural education extends far beyond the farm. It builds leaders, creates community and opens doors for students willing to walk through them.