Students from across the country gathered in Indianapolis for the 94th-annual National FFA Convention on Oct. 27-30. But this year’s convention held even more special meaning than usual.
More than 50,000 FFA members were expected to be back in person following last year’s virtual event attending training sessions, workshops and competing in a host of events. Masks were required for all indoor events this year, regardless of vaccination status, but students and supporters didn’t seem to mind.
“For me it’s getting the experience of seeing everything and meeting all the people that share the same passion as I do for agriculture – especially in the livestock industry. I wasn’t able to come because of COVID-19 last year so it’s just great to be back,” says Jenna DeRouchey of Wamego, Kan.
DeRouchey competed in the National FFA Livestock Judging Contest on Oct. 27. She says it was a great feeling to be back in person after having to compete in a virtual state contest earlier in the year. Nothing can replace being in person for a livestock judging contest, she adds.
After the contest, she took some time to walk throughout the trade show exhibits.
“My favorite thing is to walk through the trade show and see all the different areas of agriculture. I’m personally more exposed to the livestock side, but I enjoy getting to be around crop production and other areas,” she says.
For many FFA members, being in person was a sign of normalcy returning.
“It gives me a lot of hope to be back in person – hope that we will get back to normal eventually. It also gives me a sense of pride to see all of these blue jackets surrounding me and realizing what a big thing I am part of,” says Ryer Roberts of Fruita, Colo. He raises pigs and beef cattle.
Nationally there are more than 735,000 FFA members, AgDay’s Griffiths reports. City officials say the economic impact to Indianapolis is near $30 million. The city is slated to host the convention through 2033.
More from Farm Journal’s PORK:
