FFA helps highlight agriculture at Rose Parade

FFA members from across the country - including Katie Frenzen of Fullerton, Nebraska (below) - rung in the the New Year in California by helping put the finishing touches on the FFA entry in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade.

During the parade, Frenzen walked beside the float, which honors the association for its work guiding students toward careers in agriculture. At least one FFA member from each state and Puerto Rico, along with four representatives of the Stars Over America program, participated in the parade.

Frenzen is president of the Nebraska FFA.

An estimated 42 million people in the U.S., and 100 million people worldwide watch the Rose Parade. This year, the National FFA Organization was able to share the message of the importance of agriculture through their float, "FFA Today."

At 75 feet long, 30 feet tall and 18 feet wide, the FFA float was one of the largest in the parade. It featured three gigantic sculptures depicting FFA members engaging in agricultural, educational and development activities. The float was highlighted by several elements from the FFA emblem, each with a significant meaning. Alongside the emblem was a sleek horse, a combine, barn and windmill, a stand of evergreens, a grove of fruit trees, and finally urban buildings and a communications satellite -- contrasted with the rural features to display the scope of FFA activities.

The float was designed to represent all FFA members, past and present, as well as portray a most positive image of agriculture into rural, suburban and urban-based homes, and share the message of the diversity of agriculture.

All of the FFA float costs and expenses were underwritten entirely by RFD-TV and the sponsors and advertisers associated with RFD-TV's live broadcast of the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade and Equestfest.