MEEKER | Meeker High School senior Gracie Blagg wasn’t quite sure what she’d get from taking a recommended Future Farmers of America (FFA) elective class since she lives in town and doesn’t own livestock. That introductory class has led to a successful entrepreneurial endeavor, multiple awards and state-level achievements, and now Blagg is a finalist for the Colorado State Star in Agribusiness Award. She’s the first Meeker FFA member to be a finalist for that particular award since 2006 and will be competing against one other FFA member at the state convention June 4-8.
Blagg said attending the state FFA convention between her freshman and sophomore years and “seeing others get their state [FFA] degrees” inspired her to continue in the program. After completing the Intro to Ag course, she selected horticulture as her FFA subject, and in 2021 launched her own business, Creative Roots, with help from her parents and ag instructor Deneé Dinwiddie.
“My mom had this spider plant that had lots of babies,” Blagg said, explaining how she got started. She enlisted artistic friends like Aiyanna McCook and Gage Richardson to paint pots and containers and began selling plants at events like Meekerpalooza, corsages and boutonnieres for homecoming and prom, bouquets for Valentine’s Day, and more.
Blagg has now received the state degrees that inspired her as a freshman, including a Supervised Agricultural Experience state degree and a $750 grant to put toward a hydroponic system. She was also a state runner-up in proficiency diversified agriculture her junior year, a contest she won this year and is now qualified to apply for a national award.
Commenting on what she’s gained from her FFA experience, Blagg said, “I’ve gained professional skills. This has been beneficial in every aspect of my daily life. I’ve learned how to make a cover letter , resume, respond to conflict whether they be online or in person, and many other professional skills.”
After graduation, Blagg will attend Colorado Mesa University (CMU) to earn her Associate of Arts in sustainable agriculture. She plans to continue her Creative Roots business while at CMU.
“I’ve learned how to be dedicated to something not because of the immediate outcome or “payback”, but for the passion I have for what I’m doing,” Blagg said.
The national FFA program was established in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1928, with the goal of improving the quality and quantity of agricultural education. Girls were admitted to the program in 1969.
BY NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
