“I believe in the future of agriculture…” This phrase, spoken by E.M. Tiffany in 1928, introduced the FFA creed. The creed is a five-paragraph speech that begins with the same two words in every paragraph, “I believe.”
From October 30th, 2023, until November 4th, thousands upon thousands of blue corduroy jackets flooded the streets of Indianapolis, Indiana. Between going to sessions in the Lucas Oil Stadium or exploring the convention center’s many endeavors, FFA members were busy representing American agriculture!
The National FFA Convention always features workshops to build leadership skills or teach members how to manage their mental health or a career expo with hundreds of exhibitors to show and tell members about all of the opportunities they have at their feet. Once you’re done getting free ice cream from Culver’s or visiting the U.S. Army booth at the expo, you can walk over to the FFA Shopping Mall and purchase merchandise from National FFA, Ariat, Cinch, or small businesses such as Wandering Maverick Boutique or Salt Creek Boutique.
By downloading the National FFA Events App and clicking on the 96th National FFA Convention event, you can see a list of all of the workshops you can attend. If you are looking for a class that will focus on connecting you with others, the “Know Your Worth” workshop will partner you with new faces and help you learn how to find and demonstrate your worth in a professional manner. If you think you could be interested in beginning your own business, the “Blue and Gold Entrepreneurship” workshop will teach you how to build your own business and rise to the top! Does veterinary science and serving your country sound like something you might want to do? Well, the “U.S. Army Veterinary Careers” workshop will tell you all about the opportunities you have. It is without a doubt that students who attended the National FFA Convention either came leaders and left stronger or became leaders during their trip.
E.M. Tiffany was not the only person who believed in the future of agriculture, so did the 70,000+ attendees who traveled to the convention! These record-breaking numbers ease everyone’s minds; the future of agriculture is certainly bright. People from all 50 states attended this convention, along with people representing Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Many students competed in competitions, around 3,500 obtained their American degree (the most prestigious award), and 80-90 members were selected to be on the National FFA Band and Chorus. Students were able to participate in the FFA Talent contest and showcase their own talents to all session attendees. There truly is an opportunity for everyone to find success at the National FFA Convention.
The National FFA Organization’s members serve as a constant reminder that the future of agriculture is in good hands. So, whether you are zipping up your corduroy jacket or watching as young leaders walk down the streets of Indy with the FFA Emblem on their backs, I hope you know in your heart that agriculture will be here today, tomorrow, and forever.
