Next Gen Ag is a year long series that will run on our In The Field blog, Facebook page, Instagram page and Twitter account. Each Wednesday, we will highlight a young person pursuing a career in the agriculture industry. Individuals can be in high school, college, or recent graduates who are working to establish a career in agriculture. Stay tuned each week to meet some of our industry’s future leaders!
Uwharrie is a very rural area of our state with lots of open farmland that can speak to the heart of any passerby, and certainly any county resident. Savannah Dennis grew up surrounded by farmland and began working on it at a young age. Between the impact it had on her childhood and her years in FFA, she fell in love with the industry and is working hard towards establishing a career that will impact N.C. agriculture for many years to come.
As is the case in many agricultural communities across the state, Savannah got started working on the farm at a young age. “Although my parents were not directly involved with agriculture, my dad had many friends who owned their own farm or worked on a local farm,” she said. “I started working with cattle and chickens on two neighboring farms in my early childhood years and immediately fell in love with it because of the livestock and community impact of work on the farm.” This passion that Savannah developed early in life for agriculture led her to pursue FFA in high school, where she fell even deeper in love with the industry.
When Savannah entered her first year of high school at Uwharrie Charter Academy in Asheboro she immediately joined the FFA. “I started FFA my freshman year of high school and it solidified my decision to spend my career in agriculture because of the way that it impacts our lives every day,” she said. As a current senior, Savannah is an acting Regional Officer and has been a Chapter Officer for the past three years. In fact, last year she was selected as the National Delegate for North Carolina where she was able to represent our state and meet a variety of FFA students, advisors, and leaders from across the world. “It was truly an honor to be chosen to represent North Carolina on the national level,” she said. “I not only made agricultural connections with people from other countries, like Hawaii, but also expanded upon my leadership skills and agricultural knowledge throughout the process.” Although Savannah loves livestock animals and thought for many years that she wanted to become a large animal veterinarian, FFA took her in a different direction when she discovered her passion for agriculture education.
Savannah has always had a passion for agriculture, but never saw herself teaching until her public speaking and leadership skills began to develop in FFA. “I got the experience to support and build my passion for agriculture during my time in FFA,” she said. “I learned that I not only enjoy teaching agriculture to others, but I have a strong desire to make a difference in that way and continue shaping the next generation of leaders. I have been blessed with so many amazing advisors and mentors throughout my education. I would love to be that person for others in the future and help guide them towards a career in agriculture.” This fall, Savannah hopes to attend N.C. State University and pursue a major in Agriculture Education and a minor in Agribusiness. This past year, she attended the Institute for Future Agricultural Leaders with the N.C. Farm Bureau and spent a week on N.C. State’s campus receiving hands-on experience in many areas of agriculture. She plans to take that knowledge and use it throughout her college education and career. “We use agriculture on a daily basis, sometimes without even realizing it,” she said. “That’s why everything we do and learn in this industry is important. From the small things to the big things, we are all surrounded by and immersed in agriculture.” After graduation, Savannah plans on becoming an agriculture teacher at a local high school and, hopefully, owning her own cattle farm. “My dream is to one day own an agritourism farm where people can come and visit, see the animals and the work that we do on the farm in person, and learn about the importance of the industry,” she said. “I would love to combine my passions in a way that would bring something new and unique to the community, while also educating the public about agriculture and garnering appreciation for our farmers.” Savannah also plans to run for State FFA Officer either in college or directly following graduation.
Along with her leadership skills and passion for the industry, Savannah brings a variety of skillsets to the agriculture industry. “I would say that I am an extrovert, problem solver, and go-getter,” she said. “I never back down from a challenge. In fact, I often let them fuel me to work harder.” She also loves to educate people whenever possible about the agriculture industry and relies on teamwork where possible. “I value everyone’s opinions because we all bring something different to the table,” she said. “The agriculture industry needs every single one of us to be successful, so we need to work together and be open minded to the opinions of others.”
Although she loves teaching and being around livestock animals, Savannah’s favorite parts of the agriculture industry are seeing what it provides for us and admiring God’s creation every day. “Throughout the agriculture industry you can see so many beautiful things that God provides for us,” she said. “Plus, as people in the industry, we get to also have a hand in His creation as we work to harvest the crops, make the clothes, and provide products that people need.” Savannah takes a lot of pride in her work throughout the agriculture industry and looks forward to making more of a difference in the future.
For anyone seeking a career in agriculture, Savannah reminds you that, no matter where your passions lie, there is a spot for you in agriculture. “Everyday we need more people in agriculture,” she said. “Engineers, markets, advertisers, scientists, farmers…we need them all. Take the initiative to find what part of this industry is calling to you and then do the work to reach that dream. Take opportunities. Get connected. Most of all, believe in yourself and build a network of individuals who do the same.” We are so proud of all that Savannah is doing to further our state’s number one industry and look forward to seeing where the future will take her!
