Chrisler shared some of his thoughts about the future of agriculture with the Eagle through e-mail.

Q: How do you think the future of agriculture will be different than it is today?

A: Biotechnology and specialization will become the forefront of modern agriculture. Each year, agriculture loses countless acres of farmland to eminent domain, housing projects and commercial facilities.

In order to meet the demands of the world we need to first answer the question of food or fuel. Should agricultural crops traditionally used for food production be utilized for fuel? Can we meet the demand?

Biotechnology, genetically modified organisms, and conservation tillage methods will allow us to meet these demands, while still conserving our natural resources.

Q: Do you think agriculture will move away from large, monoculture farms to small farms with more diverse crops and livestock?

A: Specialized farms, whether large or small, are most likely going to be the future of production agriculture.

With today’s demand of products, small diverse farms cannot meet the production requirements. Overall, it makes more sense for people to specialize and master certain components of production agriculture. From beef production to dairy production to crop production, specialization allows farmers to increase production through focusing on the specific growth requirements.

Q: If you could make one request of President Barack Obama for the future of Wisconsin’s agricultural industry, what would it be?

A: Think as a realist. Today Wisconsin agriculture and agriculture as a whole has to defend the right to farm, harvest natural resources, and manufacture the consumer-demanded supplies.

It is a shame that today’s population has become so disconnected from the very industry that keeps our nation alive. I hope President Obama understands that without agriculture he would simply be naked and hungry.

Agriculture is responsible for the fuel, food, fiber, and natural resource systems that are the critical lifelines of not only America but the entire world.

Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges facing agriculture today?

A: Misconceptions. Most citizens don’t even understand what agriculture is. For years agriculture simply referred to farming or production agriculture. Today there are over 300 careers in the agriculture industry from farming to agricultural journalism to turf grass management.

Our population needs to understand the vast diversity of agriculture and its true importance.

In addition, production agriculture suffers from hasty generalizations and misinformation. Certain organizations and media outlets have spread negative messages concerning production agriculture from confinement of animals to the harvesting of others.

Certain tools, procedures, and management styles are critical for animal safety, well being, and production of animals. However, misinformed citizens can see these practices as inhumane and do seek the education of why these practices are used today.

Did you know that certain organizations and legislators worked together to ban the slaughtering of horses in the United States? They now want the government to set up retirement farms for older animals that can no longer be utilized for work.

Why I find this funny is that we are making cuts to education, human welfare, human healthcare, and public safety but some want hardworking Americans’ money to go to a horse-retirement village. I think our priorities are in the wrong place.

Q: Has the rising popularity of organic foods and sustainable farming and the movement to encourage people to eat locally-grown foods influenced the FFA?

A: Yes, FFA members understand that their future in the production agriculture industry is diverse. Students do not need to own large farms to be successful; there are niche markets that they can take advantage of.

A big lesson FFA members learn is that we work together in agriculture, not against each other. Whether it is an organic farmer, home grower or conventional farmer we are all working together to feed the world and meet consumer needs.

This rising popularity also creates opportunities for our members. Each member has an SAE or Supervised Agricultural Experience, which is similar to a job or business. Our members can now own small produce farms and sell their products to fill this consumer need, or work for a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) facility.

In addition, they can be an ambassador for agriculture, answering questions and being the face of agriculture.

Q: What's the biggest goal you've set for yourself as president of Wisconsin's FFA?

A: I have created the 10 x 10 by 2010 plan. The goal is for one State Officer to visit ten elementary programs in their respective section by our State Convention in 2010.

The State of Wisconsin is made up of 10 sections so we will be able to impact a minimum of 100 elementary programs.

One of the biggest issues today is agricultural illiteracy. With this initiative the Wisconsin Association of FFA will be able to progressively combat agricultural illiteracy by educating young children about where their food comes from, what agriculture is, and what their role is in the agricultural industry.

Q: What do you think it's important for young people to know about FFA?

A: FFA is not a club or extracurricular activity; it is a part of the curriculum of agriculture education. Agriculture education contains three components: classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience, and FFA.

These three components are able to prepare students for the real world, whether it is continued education, the work force, or military. FFA is more than farming, it is more than just agriculture, FFA is the largest student-led organization in the world with over 504,000 members nationally.

The leadership skills, communication skills, and networking opportunities allow members to become successful students as well as citizens.

I challenge students to risk boldly. Just give FFA a try, you do not need to be from a farm, you do not even need to be going into agriculture, you simply need to be dedicated to building yourself as a person and wanting to make friends. I guarantee there is something for everyone in our organization.

Q: What made you want to get involved in FFA?

A: I was a part of the Active Strivers 4-H and by the time I was in 8th grade I was ready for something new. Our FFA advisor at the time, Jeff Hicken encouraged me to join FFA. I first met him at the Sauk County Fair in Baraboo.

He would assist with the dairy cattle showing and my heifers never seemed to want to follow when I got to the ring. It was Mr. Hicken that usually helped to push it along. Once I joined FFA my involvement was based on multiple people such as Matt Anderson, Brandon Hager, Kevin Larsen, and my parents.

Q: What has Sauk Prairie's FFA chapter done to make it so successful?

A: Hard work and dedication has made our chapter become as successful as it is today. Back in 1929, when the Prairie du Sac FFA Chapter was chartered, it was among the first chapters in Wisconsin.

The Prairie du Sac Chapter, which would become the Sauk Prairie FFA Chapter, remained dedicated due to amazing agriculture teachers and students. Simply put, Sauk Prairie is successful because we understand that success doesn’t come easily, and we are willing to work hard in order to keep Wisconsin agriculture and FFA strong.