Microsoft Propels FFA
Into the Future
Microsoft Propels FFA
Into the Future
Agriculture is undergoing a digital transformation. Microsoft is preparing future leaders to tackle the challenges through transforming the agricultural education landscape and helping the next generation become digitally prepared.
Microsoft and National FFA are working together to bring innovative technology, science, research, and entrepreneurship to more than 700,000 FFA members nationwide through an initiative called FFA Blue 365. Since the initiative was launched in 2018, FFA members are seeing firsthand how they can use technology to not only change but lead the future of agriculture.
“Technology continues to transform the American Economy, and we need a new generation of skills for the next generation of individuals who will drive our most critical industries forward.”
“We value our partnership with the National FFA and the opportunity to help prepare future agriculture leaders with the digital skills and technological savvy they need to participate in the digital economy and manage the farms of the future,” said Kate Behncken, vice president and lead of Microsoft Philanthropies.
FFA Blue 365 was unveiled at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo through the FFA Blue Room, with Microsoft and AgriNovus Indiana being the title sponsors. The FFA Blue Room is an interactive space to showcase technology and innovation. During the last two conventions, Microsoft employees received real-time feedback from thousands of FFA members as they explored the room. CSX and BNSF also came together in the FFA Blue Room to showcase how technology is making railroads safer.
Transforming Agriculture Through Innovative Technology
Microsoft and National FFA are working together to bring innovative technology, science, research, and entrepreneurship to more than 700,000 FFA members nationwide through an initiative called FFA Blue 365. Since the initiative was launched in 2018, FFA members are seeing firsthand how they can use technology to not only change but lead the future of agriculture.
“We value our partnership with the National FFA and the opportunity to help prepare future agriculture leaders with the digital skills and technological savvy they need to participate in the digital economy and manage the farms of the future,” said Kate Behncken, vice president and lead of Microsoft Philanthropies.
FFA Blue 365 was unveiled at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo through the FFA Blue Room, with Microsoft and AgriNovus Indiana being the title sponsors. The FFA Blue Room is an interactive space to showcase technology and innovation. During the last two conventions, Microsoft employees received real-time feedback from thousands of FFA members as they explored the room. CSX and BNSF also came together in the FFA Blue Room to showcase how technology is making railroads safer.
Transforming Agriculture Through Innovative Technology
Integrating technology into agricultural education classrooms continues to be the goal of Microsoft’s work with FFA, along with connecting students and their teachers to opportunities to equip them with the skills they need.
Microsoft’s participation in FFA Blue 365 is part of its commitment to serving rural communities, such as with the Microsoft Airband Initiative, designed to deliver rural broadband connectivity. Microsoft also recently launched TechSpark, a civic program fostering greater opportunity and job creation in smaller metropolitan areas.
Advancing Future Generations with the Power of Digital Literacy
Advancing an Industry
An example of the FFA Blue 365 initiative’s reach so far has been the implementation of the Microsoft FarmBeats Student Kits, which includes preconfigured Microsoft Azure cloud services with soil moisture, light, ambient temperature, and humidity sensors to collect data. The data is then visualized in an online dashboard that provides insights to help students.
FFA advisors were also invited to attend Microsoft’s global Hackathon in 2019, a two-week event where advisors had the chance to present ag-related problems they wanted to solve.
Advancing Future Generations with the Power of Digital Literacy
Advancing an Industry
An example of the FFA Blue 365 initiative’s reach so far has been the implementation of the Microsoft FarmBeats Student Kits, which includes preconfigured Microsoft Azure cloud services with soil moisture, light, ambient temperature, and humidity sensors to collect data. The data is then visualized in an online dashboard that provides insights to help students.
FFA advisors were also invited to attend Microsoft’s global Hackathon in 2019, a two-week event where advisors had the chance to present ag-related problems they wanted to solve.
“It is because of your generosity that students like me are able to obtain the skills necessary to impact the world. FFA has transformed me into the best version of myself, and that is possible because of supporters like you.”
– Artha J., FFA Member, Florida