National FFA Convention: Farm Journal's Inside Perspective
Journalists weren’t the only ones in attendance representing Farm Journal at the National FFA Convention. This year, four Farm Journal “kids” were taking in one of agriculture’s finest events in the world.
AgDay TV’s host Clinton Griffiths sent off his son, Colton, to experience his first FFA Convention. Meanwhile, Farm Journal’s Content Director Katie Humphreys, sent both her son Colin and her husband, advisor Carson Humphreys, to Indianapolis. Farm Journal’s PORK editor Jennifer Shike felt a sigh of relief when her daughter Olivia and son Hunter were loaded onto the bus to head off to convention.
We decided to follow up with Farm Journal's "next generation" to see how their National FFA experience went and learn more about this iconic industry event through their eyes.
One of the best parts of National FFA Convention for many kids is the trip back and forth to Indianapolis, Ind., and the opportunity to see different parts of the country and tour exciting places. Colin Humphreys visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with his chapter – definitely a highlight of his trip. Photo by Carson Humphreys, Fulton (Missouri) FFA advisor.
Colin Humphreys, Junior
Fulton FFA, Fulton, Missouri
FFA Advisor: Carson Humphreys
Q. Have you ever attended National FFA Convention? If so, how many years have you attended?
A. This is my first year to attend.
Q. What was your favorite part of National FFA Convention?
A. My favorite part was getting to meet new people from all over the country. I also enjoyed having time to spend with my chapter friends.
Q. What is one of your areas of interest in FFA?
A. My supervised agricultural experience (SAE) is helping my family out on the farm and raising my show pigs.
Olivia Shike’s Social Science Division III project on “Generation Z Meat Preferences” received top honors in the National FFA AgriScience Fair on Friday night during the sixth session of the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo. The Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food and natural resources. Photo by Sue Schafer, Taylorville (Illinois) FFA advisor.
Olivia Shike, Junior
Unity FFA, Tolono, Illinois
FFA Advisor: Rich McCabe
Q. Have you ever attended National FFA Convention? If so, how many years have you attended?
A. This is my third year to attend – and my favorite yet!
Q. What was your favorite part of National FFA Convention?
A. I really enjoyed speaking on the Student Showcase Stage about my social science research project. During this experience I was able to meet people from all over the country and talk to them about a shared passion of social science research.
Q. What is one of your areas of interest in FFA?
A. My favorite contest is definitely ag sales – I was so happy to experience this contest at the national level as well. I love getting to talk with the judges and my team and do my best to become an expert on the product.
Student workshops held throughout the week help members develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Colton Griffiths attended his first national convention workshop, “Be Kind to Your Mind,” with fellow chapter members. During the workshop, they evaluated their strengths in spiritual, relational, intellectual and physical areas of their life. They discussed with other members on how they could improve in areas they were struggling in. They shared how these areas influence their lives and created a board game as a group at the end of the workshop. Photo by Mark Stone, New Prairie (Indiana) FFA advisor.
Colton Griffiths, Freshman
New Prairie FFA, New Carlisle, Indiana
FFA Advisor: Mark Stone
Q. Have you ever attended National FFA Convention? If so, how many years have you attended?
A. This is my first year to attend.
Q. What was your favorite part of National FFA Convention?
A. Meeting new people and making friends. I also enjoyed having conversations with people in different careers and getting to learn a bit more about different areas in agriculture. I really enjoyed learning about opportunities in FFA and future career paths.
Q. What is one of your areas of interest in FFA?
A. I am interested in competing in the public speaking CDE.
More than 300 exhibitors representing agriculture, colleges, fundraising, the U.S. Armed Services and auto and truck manufacturers greeted attendees at the National FFA Expo. Hunter and Olivia Shike toured the Expo learning about career opportunities and meeting agricultural professionals such as Kirk Dailey of Central Life Sciences (center). Photo by Jennifer Shike.
Hunter Shike, Freshman
Unity FFA, Tolono, Illinois
FFA Advisor: Rich McCabe
Q. Have you ever attended National FFA Convention? If so, how many years have you attended?
A. This is my second year to attend convention.
Q. What was your favorite part of National FFA Convention?
A. The best part was getting to compete in the national ag sales competition, representing the state of Illinois. I finished 12th overall and received a scholarship – that was an added bonus!
Q. What is one of your areas of interest in FFA?
A. Ag sales is definitely my favorite now, but I was fortunate to try several contests out as an eighth grader. One of my other passions is livestock judging.
Read More:
Why You Should Prioritize People
4 Ways FFA Shaped My Life for the Better
FFA Has-Been? No, Your Role Just Changes
12 Reasons Why We Need FFA More Than Ever
Ag Teachers: When Someone Believes in You
6 Dos and Don’ts to Make the Most of National FFA Convention
