The National FFA Organization isn't just about farming anymore.

In fact, FFA members learn much more about the agriculture field as a whole and some springboard into careers such as veterinarians, soil conservationists and inspectors for the United States Department of Agriculture.

FFA, which changed its name from Future Farmers of America in 1988, has a lot of bright spots locally in Valencia County with about 70 to 75 active members for each program in Belen and Los Lunas.

Daniel Mathews, a Los Lunas FFA advisor for the past 13 years, said only about 2 percent make up the production farmers in agriculture, but said students can still learn to raise livestock, bale fields, and work in feed stores as part of the supervised agricultural experience program.

About 27 percent of FFA members live in rural, farm areas; 39 percent in rural non-farm, and 34 percent live in urban and suburban areas, according to the FFA's Web site.

Mathews said students learn by doing, and learn to translate concepts and principles into applications they can use in everyday life.

"I tell all kids that you get out what you put in," Mathews said. "If they don't get involved, they aren't going to get anything out of it. But I have some kids that don't even come from a farm, and some of those kids could become our leaders."

Mathews, who also teaches agriculture mechanics and welding, said he has taught groups that have won state championships and groups that have been nationally ranked in FFA programs. He also taught a student who became the 2008-09 National FFA President.

Paul Moya, a 2006 Los Lunas High School graduate, was chosen as president from a field of 38 people, and is among six individuals who were selected to national office at the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis last October. Moya, who leads the organization and its more than 500,000 members nationwide, has said he wants to inspire students to believe in themselves.

Los Lunas student Mariah King said she started in the group after having family members who own ranches.

King said she likes the FFA land and home site classes, where students learn about slopes of land to soil textures and erosion runoff to determine what uses are best fitted for each plot of individual land.

"It was an opportunity to get more involved (in agriculture)," King said. "I didn't think I would like it at first. But I got involved, and now I love it."

Los Lunas senior Britney Benavides said she likes to judge horses at different invitationals across the state, and said she has learned more about their body parts.

"It's really fun," Benavides said. "It teaches you a lot. I liked horses before, but now I like them a lot."

But students have responsibilities that go along with getting a taste for agriculture life. Students must wear official dress, and be dedicated to service when holding a rank as an FFA officer.

"Agriculture is the backbone of our nation," Mathews said. "Without it, we wouldn't be here. It gives kids core values from filling out applications for job interviews and public speaking in front of a group of people."

Belen FFA Advisor Justin Brown stressed those values and leadership qualities to his group at an FFA meeting earlier this year. Brown, who is in his second year with the group, spoke to his kids about the importance of professionalism while at local and state competitions.

"We can have fun all over the state, all over the nation," Brown said. "But we have to take care of business first."

Brown said the group is close knit, and he said students come together to support one another while competing in each competition.

"There are a lot of kids that take this very seriously," Brown said. "It's a way of life to them. They take the skills they learn here and carry it on throughout the rest of their lives."

Scott Hanks' said he thinks FFA can do a lot for his son, Ethan.

Ethan, a graduate of Belen High School, is currently a state officer, and his father said he encourages his son to use his knowledge to ensure a bright future. He said his time in the organization could lead to a career in the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.

"I was amazed at how well he took to it," Hanks said. "He is so well received by his teachers and classmates."

Blake Matheson's father, Mark, says FFA has played a big role in making his son who he is today.

"It keeps him out of trouble, and makes him be a leader," said Matheson. "It teaches him the agricultural skills that he needs."

The Valencia County groups are putting those much-needed skills into practice.

Brown said Belen High School will house livestock at the Career Academy for students to research the digestive systems in animals such as goats, pigs and chickens. The group will also study soils to best market and advertise products.

Los Lunas students will have an actual farm that will grow food and house livestock.

Last year, FFA members presented details of a $50,000 start-up budget for the Ag Farm, which is located just east of Daniel Fernandez Elementary in Los Lunas. Students' will farm the 10 to 12-acre parcel of land in an effort to supplement the students classroom education.

Mathews thinks that experience could help shape their lives no matter their background.

"Who knows?" he said, "It might be something they like."