In the latest episode of North State Rocks, host Perry Thompson sat down with Elizabeth (Liz) Ammon, agriculture teacher and FFA advisor at Lassen High School, to discuss the remarkable growth and success of the Susanville FFA program following the recent Lassen County Fair.
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This year's fair marked a milestone for the program, with 60 Susanville FFA members participating out of 159 total 4-H and FFA members county-wide.
“That's the largest number that we've ever had as far as students showing,” Liz explained, noting this achievement came despite poultry being unable to show this year.
The financial success was equally impressive.
“The students had over $430,884 brought in by the sales and support of our local community,” Liz shared, highlighting the incredible backing from North State residents and businesses.
When asked about the growth in participation, Liz offered a unique perspective on the pandemic's aftermath: “I actually think it stems back, to be brutally honest, to COVID. When COVID wasn't a thing anymore and people went back to their real world, kids wanted an opportunity to participate in absolutely everything that they could.”
This renewed enthusiasm has created students who refuse to limit themselves.
“Kids are realizing more that they can do a lot of things. They can do FFA and FBLA and drill team and do them all and be successful,” Liz noted.
Liz's dedication to excellence has earned recognition at the highest levels. She was named the 2021-22 Agriculture Educator of the Year for California: an honor bestowed by students. There are approximately 1,100 ag teachers in California, and only a handful have ever been recognized.
Under Liz's guidance, Susanville FFA achieved remarkable success from 2016-2019, capturing five state championships and even a national title—the only national championship in the school's history. The veterinary science team, which Liz coaches, claimed the national crown in 2019.
The program's inclusivity extends beyond traditional farm families. For students living in town without property for large animals, the program offers creative solutions, including cages, farms, and land donations.
The breadth of opportunities available through Susanville FFA is staggering. Students can participate in everything from veterinary science and agricultural mechanics to parliamentary procedure and public speaking. Each team practices 2.5 to 3 hours per week from September through May, and they attend around 26 events from the Oregon border down to San Luis Obispo for state finals.
Beyond competition, the program emphasizes giving back.
“We require that kids have so many FFA activities, and that at least one of those does need to be a community service,” Liz explained. Recent initiatives include hosting Susanville's first-ever Halloween Fun 5K at Ranch Park.
Perry highlighted how FFA students often become exceptional employees, particularly praising their work ethic and personal responsibility. The program's emphasis on leadership development creates graduates who see what needs to be done and take ownership, qualities desperately needed in today's workforce.
As Liz reflected on her career's fulfillment: “Success breeds success. And we just have this great group that just continues to grow... my heart is very full in the career that I have.”
and bring energy, experience and expertise to complete the simplest jobs efficiently, and overcome the largest obstacles with enthusiasm.
