SPRING VALLEY – For Spring Valley High School Class of 2024 graduate Jordan Lamb, the future is looking bright. She’s a go-getter well on her way in her chosen career path of agricultural communications.

In March, she was selected to participate in the first-ever Next Gen Agricultural Communications conference put on by the National FFA.

“I first learned about this conference at a conference this fall and thought that it sounded interesting. I went to my advisor, Mrs. Anderson, with some questions and we did research to see what the conference entails,” Lamb said. “We figured I might as well apply.”

Next Gen conferences are designed to take a closer, more detailed look into the various pathways within the agricultural sector. The application process required Lamb to write multiple essays, attach various letters of recommendation, and include her involvement both in FFA and other activities.

“After a tedious application process, we submitted and hoped for the best,” Lamb said.

When she learned she had been chosen, the feeling was amazing.

“Knowing that the conference would not only benefit me now but in the future as well made me excited to be one of the attendees,” Lamb said. “It was definitely a long waiting process as I submitted my application in October and did not hear back until December, but the wait was worth it.”

Anderson and Lamb flew to Dallas, Texas on March 5 and returned March 8. The four-day conference began with simple icebreakers, Lamb said, and getting to know what ag communications truly is.

“We also got to hear from motivational speaker, Courtney DeHoff, where she discussed feeling fulfilled in what you do no matter what others may think,” Lamb recalled.

Attendees also worked in smaller breakout groups led by a facilitator, which allowed them to dive deeper into various topics. Day 2 began with a session discussing pathways within ag communications and how students can have a successful future. They then hopped on a bus for a long day of tours.

“Our day began in Fort Worth touring RFD-TV and the Cowboy/Cowgirl Channel,” Lamb said. “We were able to get an in-depth tour of both recording studios and even watch a recording! RFD-TV did a segment on the conference, so two attendees had the opportunity to be interviewed.

“Later that night we went back into the RFD-TV studio to watch a live recording of Western Sports Roundup. It was very intriguing to see how live TV worked and all the pieces that went into producing it.”

That day they also visited the John Wayne Experience and learn not only about his acting career but who he was outside of acting.

“I thought it was extremely cool that John Wayne owned a Hereford ranch because that is the same type of cattle I own,” Lamb said. “We also watched the historic cattle drive in the Fort Worth Stockyards. As someone from up north Longhorns are not a very common sight so seeing how truly massive and well-trained they are was amazing.”

They wrapped up the night with another session diving deeper into their futures and career plans. On Day 3, Lamb participated in an industry roundtable in which National FFA gathered multiple industry professionals for attendees to meet with.

“We met with professionals who worked for CAT, a social media manager, and a college professor,” Lamb said. “This allowed me to learn about the various jobs within the ag industry.”

Students then hopped on a bus to Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, where the American Rodeo was setting up.

“We were able to tour the media truck that is in charge of broadcasting the rodeo as well as the stadium,” Lamb said. “We then toured the State Fair of Texas. We learned about the educational programs that they have within the fairgrounds, so kids with urban backgrounds can learn about agriculture. We also learned about and toured their hydroponic greenhouse. In their fairgrounds they also have a football field called the Cotton Bowl Stadium. This is where they host the Red River Rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorns.”

The third day ended with a session discussing employability skills and how students can maximize theirs to benefit them in the future, Lamb said. The fourth and final day began with another industry round table.

“We got to meet around 10 more professionals and learn about what they do at their jobs. We then wrapped things up with a reflective session, talking about all the things we had learned, places we went, and people we met,” Lamb said.

Lamb participated in FFA throughout her education in Spring Valley schools. It’s hard for her to put into words what the organization has meant to her.

“As a fourth-generation cattle farmer, agriculture and FFA have always been instilled in my mind,” Lamb said. “FFA has allowed me gain experiences that are hard to find in any other organization. FFA has also expanded my public speaking skills. Public speaking is a daunting task to most, but through FFA it has given me the confidence to find my voice and speak. FFA has also allowed me to connect with some amazing people, both professionally and create friendships. FFA has also allowed me to explore various career paths within the agriculture field, especially things like Next Gen. FFA has allowed me to step into various leadership positions while serving on the officer team. Without FFA I truly would not be who I am today.”

In the fall, Lamb plans to attend Kansas State University to double major in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science & Industry with an emphasis in communications. Her ultimate goal is to work for a breed association writing and publishing magazines and/or articles.

“Next Gen allowed me to dive deeper into the various pathways of agricultural communications,” Lamb said. “Although I have an idea of what I want to do as far as a career, it was helpful to learn about the many careers that relate to ag comm.”

Agricultural communications is important to Lamb because she believes people need to be writing, discussing and promoting agriculture, a vital industry in the United States.

“As someone that grew up on a farm I have always understood the importance of agriculture, leading me to have a passion in it. I’ve always known that I wanted to have a career in ag, but wasn’t sure what I wanted it to be,” she said. “This past summer I finally settled on ag comm and the many pathways in it. I feel as though ag comm will allow me to promote ag while also being creative.”

Lamb counts her dad as one of her biggest influences. He introduced her to agriculture and pushes her every day to get better, whether in the classroom or in the show barn.

“Through his constant support I am who I am today,” Lamb said. “Another one of my biggest influences is my ag teacher and FFA advisor Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Anderson pushes me to be my best through FFA. She has helped me expand my public speaking skills allowing me to find my passion for ag communications. She also was the one who really pushed for me to apply to Next Gen.”

FFA is not just for people involved in agriculture, Lamb said. It helps people expand their leadership and public speaking skills, knowledge and allows them to meet new friends.

“I would also recommend everyone to know that FFA has so many amazing opportunities,” Lamb advised. “So if you’re not extremely involved in your FFA chapter I suggest branching out and trying something!”