My lovely wife and I were fortunate enough to chaperone our son's Environment & Natural Resources Team as they competed at the National Convention in Indianapolis last week. What an amazing experience. I was active in FFA as a kid (chapter Vice President and Regional Sentinel) and competed in the Forestry competitions - but never made it to Nationals before.

Nothing could have prepared me for the size of the event. 70,000 members attended this year. They have a concert every year as part of the event and this year the performer was Garth Brooks. Wow. The keynote speaker for the closing session was President Trump.

Spending a week surrounded by tens of thousands of FFA members sure lifted my spirits. All sharply dressed in blue and gold - polite and respectful - good honest folks.

How many of you were (or are still) involved in FFA?

'75-'79, Chapter Farmer, one year Chapter Reporter. Still proud I wore the Blue and Gold.

1978-1981...Chapter President,Reporter, Star Greenhand, State Regional Vice President, National finalist in Nursery Operations & American Farmer...probably the best time of my high school years...still maintain close friendships with members of the State Officer team I was a part of.

1974 thru 1978

83-86 and enjoyed it all and now my girls are members also.... very proud and folks recognize the blue jacket..

64-66. I was stationed at the plow.

1977-2011. FFA Advisor- attended every national convention except one in that 34 year span. Always a motivational experience.

I support FFA AND 4h.

I couldn't agree more. From learning how to properly tie a tie, to utilizing parliamentary procedure - daily things in my work world - not to mention the leadership and public speaking skills, FFA provided me with countless tools that I use regularly. My advisor was the most giving and kindest man I have ever known.

1980-84 Chapter President
I wouldn't have a college degree if it wasn't for Vo-Ag and my advisor's encouragement. Really glad my nieces and nephew have chosen to be active in the same chapter.

Wasn't offered at my school but a proud parent of 3 ffa members wish it could have been 4 but they changed the rules for our school district. All 3 were chapter officers with my son as vice president 2 years and president for 2 after that.

Nationally a great origination but out local/state leaves alot to be desired now.

I was there. This was my second year, never did it as a kid, I was always in 4h. I was maning a booth for the American Farm Bureau Fedararion cause I serve on an advisory committee for them. I wandered around when I had some free time and was glad to see FTA had s booth there with samples of pelts and some learning aids. As well as informational packets for advisors/teachers. Good to see, I stopped and talked to them and they said they had a lot of interest. I’m fairly new to trapping and am glad they were getting the word out cause everything I’ve learned has mostly been from the internet.

75 to 79, went to the National Convention in 76, paid for the trip with fur money.

When I was in high school (early to mid 1960s), FFA was for boys only. Really bummed me out. That's why I went with 4H - girls could do animal projects and all sorts of cool stuff.

During that time, girls got stuck with FHA. Future Homemakers of America. Nope, not for me.

98-01....Here by the Owl. I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds...

98-01....Here by the Owl. I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds...

Chapter treasurer and president also got my state FFA degree. It was the single best thing that I did while I high school.

my grandson was there. got home and went hunting. said he couldn't have imagined such crowds. wanted to go someplace quiet

Won high scoring individual in State Ag Mechanics contest and that got me and my team a trip to the Nationals in '75...Placed 2nd in Nationals...Jerry Clower was the stage act and speaker and Tanya Tucker sang...
Memories.........

who placed first chenocetah???