Students from the Waterville Central School District FFA Agricultural Issues Team had the unique opportunity to discuss their presentation, “Cultivating Controversy: Could U.S. Agriculture Survive Without Immigrant Labor?” with Assemblymember Brian Miller and his chief of staff, Susan Jaquish. The discussion helped the team refine their presentation as they prepared for the upcoming statewide competition.
Photo Caption (left to right): From the left are Chief of Staff Susan Jaquish, Waterville FFA Agricultural Issues Team members Cooper Patterson, Nathan Jones, Edmond Yang and McKenna Furner and New York State Assemblymember Brian Miller, R-N.Y.
The team, Cooper Patterson, Nathan Jones, Edmond Yang, and McKenna Furner, delivered a thought-provoking analysis of the challenges and implications surrounding immigrant labor in agriculture. The students’ research sparked a lively discussion with Miller and his chief of staff, Susan Jaquish, as both provided unique insights into the economic, social, and legislative considerations surrounding the issue.
“We are incredibly proud of the Waterville FFA Agricultural Issues Team for addressing such a critical topic,” said Cindy Gallagher, Waterville agricultural science teacher. “Their presentation reflected a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of agriculture and policy, and it opened the door to meaningful discussion.”
The Agriculture Issues Team fielded questions and exchanged ideas with Miller and Jaquish, gaining valuable perspectives and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted considerations involved.
“Talking with Assemblymember Miller and his chief of staff helped us in getting our presentation ready and preparing our team for the upcoming statewide competition,” said Patterson.
The team is one of six statewide that will be competing on May 7 at the NYS FFA Convention.