More than 60,000 FFA members and supporters from across the country celebrated agriculture and agricultural education during the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis this October.
The event, which was virtual last year, was held in-person Oct. 27 to 30, with a virtual option. FFA members, advisors, and members networked with one another, and national delegates conducted the organization’s official business.
“It was wonderful to be back in person this year,” Mandy Hazlett, the associate director of convention and events for the National FFA Organization, said. “Our members, advisors and guests shared with us how good it was to see one another again. The city of Indianapolis and state of Indiana were amazing hosts.”
During the first delegate business session on Oct. 28, the following FFA Value Statements were unanimously approved and ratified:
- We respect and embrace every individual’s culture and experiences.
- We welcome every individual’s contribution to advance our communities and the industry of agriculture.
- We cultivate an environment that allows every individual to recognize and explore their differences.
- We create leadership opportunities for every individual to enhance their personal and professional endeavors.
“National FFA strives to be a welcoming place for all,” said National FFA CEO Scott Stump. “These value statements create a foundation for the organization’s work, ensuring we can develop opportunities and platforms that open doors and remove barriers for every individual in agricultural education to experience FFA.”
Members also lived out part of the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” by building Little Free Pantries as part of a National Days of Service on-site project. More than 100 pantries were made, and they will be “adopted” by organizations in the greater Indianapolis area to help those in need.
“Living to Serve is part of the FFA motto, and during convention and the month of October, we saw our members live out this portion of our motto,” Michele Sullivan, senior manager of local engagement for the National FFA Organization, said.
More than 5,700 awards were given out during the event. In addition, FFA members participated in student and teacher workshops, educational tours and more. They also heard from industry leaders and motivational speakers.
The event culminated with the conferring of American FFA Degrees on Saturday, Oct. 30 and the election of the 2021-22 National FFA Officer Team.
The new team consists of National President Cole Baerlocher from Washington; National Secretary Jackson Sylvester from Delaware; Central Region Vice President Cortney Zimmerman from Wisconsin; Eastern Region Vice President Mallory White from Kentucky; Western Region Vice President Josiah Cruikshank from Oregon; and Southern Region Vice President Erik Robinson Jr. from Georgia.
