Calaged News

Outstanding Educators and Programs Recognized at the 2026 CATA Summer Conference

In June, agricultural educators from across the state came together in San Luis Obispo for the CATA Summer Conference. We proudly congratulate those recognized for their hard work and dedication to their schools, students, and the agricultural education profession!

 
Outstanding Educators

Outstanding Teacher: Heather Thomas, Colusa HS

Outstanding Young Teacher: Jessica Campbell, Golden West HS

Outstanding Teacher Mentor: Jenny Lynn Oilar Svejda, Red Bluff HS

 

Introducing the 2026 CATA Hall of Fame Inductees

For decades, these educators and leaders have shaped California agricultural education and inspired generations of students.

The California Agricultural Teachers' Association (CATA) Hall of Fame honors individuals whose exceptional careers have strengthened agricultural education through classroom instruction, teacher preparation, mentorship, and leadership. Their dedication has not only impacted countless students but has also influenced fellow educators and helped build stronger FFA programs across the state.

Honoring Charles Parker’s 45 Years of Service

Honoring Charles Parker’s 45 Years of Service

By Viviana Velazquez, Reporter, Bear River FFA Chapter & 2025 State FFA Conference Press Corps Member

After more than four decades of dedicated service to California FFA, Charles Parker is retiring from his role as State FFA Advisor and Program Manager for Agricultural Education at the California Department of Education. His retirement marks the close of a remarkable chapter—one defined by a career that has impacted thousands of students, educators, and agricultural communities across the state.

Colleges and Universities

Scholarship Sponsors

Contact Us

Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Quisque velit nisi, pretium ut lacinia in, elementum id enim. Curabitur non nulla sit amet nisl tempus convallis quis ac lectus. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Sed porttitor lectus nibh.

Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Vestibulum ac diam sit amet quam vehicula elementum sed sit amet dui. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi.

Nulla quis lorem ut libero malesuada feugiat. Vestibulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia Curae; Donec velit neque, auctor sit amet aliquam vel, ullamcorper sit amet ligula. Proin eget tortor risus. Praesent sapien massa, convallis a pellentesque nec, egestas non nisi. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Resources

Agricultural education strives to maintain its status on the cutting-edge of rigorous classroom instruction, relevant skill acquisition and premier leadership development. Check out the expansive and evolving catalog of resources to generate new ideas, enhance curriculum delivery skills or identify new ways to engage in FFA and SAE activities.

Beginning in the early 20th century in California, agricultural education has a long tradition of preparing students for rigorous, satisfying careers both within and outside of the industry. As a school-based learning program, agricultural education operates as a unit within the California Department of Education and is written into the state’s legislative education code.

About

Rich in history with an eye toward the future, California’s school-based agricultural education program seeks to prepare all students for satisfying careers in and outside of the agriculture industry. The multi-faceted approach to growing the whole person includes a focus on character and interpersonal skill development, technical acumen and critical thinking capabilities.

 

Events

From personal growth to career skill enhancement, the focus of California’s agricultural education events is always on the experiential development of the student. With activities ranging from local to national, the statewide organization offers a number of premier events each year that are suited to best meet the interests of an ever-diversifying student population.

news 

Stay updated on the latest news from the California Association FFA and the California Department of Education. Select from archived newsletters covering chapter spotlights, alumni stories, and statewide agricultural education initiatives. Stay informed, inspired, and engaged with everything happening across California FFA and Ag Education.

Students at CMS Industry Tour

Support

Support

Support Agricultural Leadership, Growth and Career Education

The mission of the California FFA Foundation is to promote, aid, and assist, financially or otherwise, California FFA to ensure the success of Agricultural Education by preparing tomorrow's agricultural leaders, today.

Donate

Donate

California FFA Foundation’s goal is to provide individuals, businesses, foundations, and others the opportunity to invest in the premier secondary Agricultural Education leadership development program in California: FFA. The Foundation provides award recognition for student projects, competitive team events, leadership development events, as well as leadership training conferences.

DONATE NOW!