FFA Corner: FFA members travel to Indianapolis for national convention

The action was live and in-person for the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo. The streets of Indianapolis were flooded with a sea of National FFA blue jackets once again after leaving them bare in 2020.

Many pieces from last year’s virtual convention were implemented into this year’s event. Members capitalized on opportunities offered through the Blue Room, convention live-streaming and home viewers projected up on the big screen in Lucas Oil Stadium.

FFA members from all over the country plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands had the opportunity to go through the expo and speak with college representatives, businesses and other organizations that allow for FFA members to learn new information while networking with business owners and professionals.

The convention held many different sessions to recognize and applaud FFA members’ success. Those who competed in events such as Career Development Events, Leadership Development Events, Agriscience Awards, National Chapter Awards and Proficiency Awards were recognized for the great skills they are developing.

Illinois had many different FFA members that represented the state well at the national convention. Illinois Association FFA had 10 national winners.

In Agriscience, Amanda Stephens from Southeastern FFA chapter, Savannah Ramsey from Southeastern FFA chapter and Olivia Shike from Unity Tolono FFA chapter won. The national winner in the proficiency area of Agriscience Research — Animal Systems was Lizzie Schafer from the Taylorville FFA chapter.

In Agricultural Sales, the national winning team was the Prairie Central FFA chapter, and Kenna Skaggs from the Prairie Central FFA chapter was the high individual. In the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event, Sidney Stiers from the Williamsville FFA chapter was the national winner.

In Milk Quality and Products, Prairie Central was named the national winning team. The national winners in Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management was the Eastland FFA chapter, with Delena Erbsen from the Eastland FFA chapter the high individual.

In addition to all of the fun, renewed friendships and good food, the delegates were hard at work prior to the first session of the 94th National FFA Convention and Expo.

Delegates worked to come up with recommendations for the National FFA to evaluate the organization to continue positive change and preserve valuable traditions. Many committees met to discuss future plans and changes.

As the month of November is gearing up, it will be a crazy time for Illinois FFA. The second set of chapter visits is once again underway. Section officers have been working hard to organize visits for members to meet with a state officer and their section officer teams.

Near the end of November, BUILD Conference will be held at Illinois State University in Normal. BUILD Conference focuses on leadership development and providing the opportunity for FFA members to meet others across the state. Illinois FFA is excited to hold this event in person.

Lauren Mohr from the Normal West FFA Chapter is the 2021-2022 Illinois Association FFA state reporter.