Nine thousand. That’s how many Texas students are in Area VII for Future Farmers of America, and Abigail Martin represents all of them

“I chose to join FFA because I initially wanted to be a Veterinarian, so I started to raise animals,” Martin said. “Then I kind of realized that it’s a lot more than just raising animals.”

Martin not only serves as the Area VII Vice President but also as the school’s FFA chapter president this year.

“Abby is one of the most genuine, passionate, and driven people I know,” senior and FFA secretary Elizabeth Haegelin said. “She always strives for greatness and is an inspiration to all those who are blessed to be her friend.”

Along with Martin’s accomplishments as an FFA officer, she also wants to make an impact on the agricultural industry via a possible career in environmental law in her future.

“FFA students can make an impact now by continuing to advocate for agriculture and its importance to our growing world,” former FFA teacher Lauren Dowlearn said. “They can do this by continuing to be active members of their Leadership Development and Career Development teams as well as running for leadership positions, community outreach efforts and being successful in their supervised agricultural experiences. 

“Abigail has done all of these things through the various FFA teams she has been a part of such as public relations, public speaking and vet science, just to name a few. She has also been our chapter FFA president, River District President and Area 7 FFA Vice President. Abigail is very passionate about agriculture and is definitely making a huge impact on our chapter and the agriculture industry on a large scale.”

Martin also reached the top-ten finalist for FFA public speaking at the state level for two consecutive years. She has competed in numerous FFA events, honing in on some of her skills.

“I think I gained a lot of knowledge about the agriculture industry, and I learned a lot of skills, such as speaking, like how to speak to people, how to interview, even governmental things like parliamentary procedure,” Martin said. 

Outside of the Ag barns, Martin takes a heavy course load, with multiple Advanced Placement classes every year. She participates in clubs such as Robotics, Students United for Respect and Equality Club (S.U.R.E.) and National Honor Society. Martin is currently the chairperson of the LGBTQIA+ committee for S.U.R.E club.

“I really think that I kind of gained a unique perspective on our agriculture and like seeing it firsthand,” Martin said. “Now I kind of know what we need to help society to keep going. A lot of people don’t see the farmers that are making your food, and they don’t see all the aspects of your life in agriculture and that that’s helping to feed you and so I think that by being able to learn about that, I now can look at different opinions – look at different things in a better light and see the side of farmers, but also see the side of environmentalist”

Behind Martin’s accomplishments are her mom and twin brother, always supporting her, especially when she was running for Area office.

“I was really exhausted and tired,” Martin said. “My mom really just encouraged me. She’d be ‘It’s OK, here’s some cookies,’ and she helped me to, kind of de-stress. And so I really appreciate that.”

Martin spends almost every morning and evening in the Ag barns, preparing for competitions and putting others first while she does so.

“I know Abby will continue to make a huge impact in the agriculture industry,” Haegelin said. “She has a passion for being and advocate for those who are unfamiliar with the industry. She is extremely strong in academics and extracurriculars, and I know that will take her far.”