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Due to statewide budget cuts, Oregon's FFA program is at risk of losing funding. On January 16th, General Manager of Livestock Operations Jeff Wendler sent the following letter on behalf of Threemile Canyon Farms to the Oregon Joint Ways and Means Committee urging them to continue funding FFA:

On behalf of the entire team at Threemile Canyon Farms, I’m writing to urge you to preserve full funding for Oregon FFA. While FFA is sometimes perceived as being simply about farming, it is one of the most effective programs in our state for preparing both urban and rural youth for high-demand careers. With more than 15,000 students and a 50% growth rate over the past six years, it's clear that FFA brings value not just to those who participate, but to the state as a whole. The program and the opportunities it creates strengthen local economies and enriches a wide range of youth with knowledge, experience, connections, and careers. You may be surprised by today's FFA and who our students are — many of whom are new to agriculture and related industries.

For young Oregonians in rural areas, FFA provides hands-on pathways into agriculture, natural resources, ag mechanics, forestry, and technical trades. Through Supervised Agricultural Experience programs, students manage real businesses, learn financial literacy, and develop leadership skills that keep talent rooted in rural communities. These programs are essential for maintaining a strong agricultural workforce and supporting the economic stability of Oregon’s rural regions.

For young Oregonians in more densely populated and urban areas, FFA offers access to high-growth STEM and agriculture-related fields—from biotechnology and food science to environmental engineering, urban farming, and veterinary medicine. For many lower-income and minority students, FFA is the first door to career training, mentorship, travel opportunities, and scholarships that may otherwise be out of reach. The program builds confidence, belonging, and clear pathways to well-paying jobs that often go beyond the farm.

Throughout the entire state of Oregon, FFA provides leadership development, project-based STEM education, community service opportunities, and real-world skill building that benefits students across diverse backgrounds. It encourages respect, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. It also creates the workforce our state needs—prepared, motivated, and capable of contributing to thriving local economies. At Threemile, we have witnessed this directly for multiple decades, and many of our team members were part of FFA.

Oregon’s youth deserve continued access to these opportunities, and the state economy deserves their contributions. I respectfully ask you to fully maintain funding for Oregon FFA and strengthen these critical investments.

Respectfully,
Jeff Wendler, Threemile Canyon Farms