John Howley Shares Impact of Extension in Texas and Beyond On New Episode of Growing Our Future Podcast

The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country.

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Howley, Director of Communications for Montana State University Extension. Born and raised in Texas, Howley’s experience as a county Extension agent and a farm to school specialist in Utah, Indiana, and Montana gives him a unique perspective on agriculture and communication.

Listen to the full episode with host Aaron Alejandro and John Howley here.

Extension: Forging Connections

John Howley, Director of Communications for Montana State University Extension, is grateful for teamwork, especially during a whirlwind first month on the job. Though challenges arise–for example, Howley says, “a news story comes out that doesn’t quite represent extension the way we want it to”–the incredible impact Extension has on communities outweighs any potential negativity.

Looking outside of Texas has given Howley a new perspective and opportunity. Before he landed the job at Montana State University, Howley worked with “farmers, agriculturists, and teachers” as a County Extension Agent and Farm to School Specialist with Purdue University Extension in Indiana. Alejandro admires Howley’s drive. “Everywhere you go there’s an opportunity to learn something,” he says.

Support from FFA

Unlike many of his peers, Howley didn’t have direct access to agriculture as a kid. But he does remember being fascinated by it from a young age. Howley’s little league field happened to be next to the local high school’s FFA facilities, which Howley remembers as his first exposure to the organization. “I’d walk over from the ball fields and watch the kids shear their sheep”, he says. Howley was eventually able to join his high school’s FFA chapter, where he was supported by great…