Laughery Valley Ag FFA Spotlight: Switzerland County

Here are some unique things happening with Switzerland County FFA

(VEVAY, Ind.) – FFA Week is taking place this week as local chapters celebrate the national program and the impact it has had on them. 

We’ve teamed up with Laughery Valley Ag to spotlight some of our local FFA programs throughout the week. 

Switzerland County FFA is led by advisors Greg Curlin and Ashley Wehner. Curlin has been Switzerland County’s FFA Advisor for 34 years. 

“I’ve seen many changes and I often refer to it as ‘transitioning tradition’ and that is through changes to the curriculum, leadership and development being broadened, and more opportunities for students to pursue nontraditional agriculture careers,” Curlin said. 

Switzerland County FFA has several nontraditional programs that take place annually.

They host the “Crown The Queen of Hearts” pageant where the program adopts the winning pageant members' platform on what she believes is a need for the community or country. 

There is also the ‘Keeping Pace Walk’ where the FFA partners with the Switzerland County Community Foundation to raise money for local cancer patients. The Keeping Pace Cancer Fund assists patients with transportation costs, meal expenses while seeking treatment, wigs, prescription drug costs and many other needs.

The program also helped bring an economic boost to Vevay when they hosted the State Soils Career Development event in October. 

It brought in FFA students and families from all over Indiana for a 3-day competition. Four area farms served as practice sites during the event, and visitors were able to enjoy the restaurants and shops in Vevay during their down time. 

Going Overseas

When Curlin began as the FFA teacher more than three decades ago, he never would have dreamt that he would plan a field trip to Europe, again. 

Curlin took FFA members on an agriculture trip to Germany and France a few years ago. During the trip they even visited landmarks such as Normandy. 

The popularity of the trip has led Curlin to schedule another one for next year. 

It is called ‘ Sustainable Farming in Italy’ and will give students a chance to dive into agriculture and food science during the week-long trip. 

“They will visit the rural way of life in Italy, from a cattle operation, fruit orchard, seasonal fruit processing plant, perfume factory and will even have the opportunity to make pasta from wheat,” Curlin said. 

That trip is scheduled for March 2026.

Curlin says there is one aspect of FFA that he wants everybody to know.

“Whether you are from a rural area or an urban area, FFA is a great opportunity and there is a place for every student,” Curlin said. 

You can follow along with Switzerland County FFA by clicking here.

Here are photos from some of their activities: