(Indianapolis, IN) – Over 100 Indiana FFA members from across the state will be competing at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo next week in a variety of Career and Leadership Development Events, the Agriscience Fair and Agricultural Proficiency Awards.
Locally, East Central FFA members Wyatt Smith, Evan Kramer, Jasmin Keith and Riley Shumate will all compete in Nursery/Landscape, while Blaine Wagner and Jessa Wagner from North Decatur FFA will compete in Agriscience Research Integrated Systems Proficiency and Agriscience Animal Systems Division 3, respectively.
“I am always impressed with the talent, leadership and work ethic of Indiana FFA members,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Best of luck to each Indiana FFA member competing on the national stage at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo right here in Indianapolis.”
Students will be competing in career development events such as Environment and Natural Resources, Forestry, Agronomy, Livestock Evaluation and Parliamentary Procedure. Others will be competing in leadership development events such as Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Agricultural Issues Forum and Creed Speaking.
The National FFA Agriscience Fair is an additional key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo. Individuals or teams conduct scientific research projects pertaining to the agriculture industry in their state in one of six categories: animal systems, environmental services/natural resource systems, food products and processing systems, plant systems, power, structural and technical systems or social science.
“Hats off to all of the Indiana FFA members who have qualified to compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo. The level of dedication and commitment to make it to such a high level is no doubt also thanks to the FFA advisors, parents and community supporting these young leaders and ag professionals,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “Each student has certainly already made their home state proud, and we look forward to celebrating them next week.”
Indiana FFA members will also compete nationally with their Agricultural Proficiencies, which honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
