FFA convention holds great memories

Once a year, students from all over the nation gather to participate in agriculture-based competitions. This event is called the National FFA Convention — one of the greatest experiences of my life.

This year the convention was from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. Every four years the convention moves to a different city. I competed in Indianapolis.

Not only do the students compete, they also get to experience sessions with keynote speakers and see the national FFA officer team.

Texico FFA teacher Tod Pinnell agrees the convention is a life-changing experience; and not just for the students.

“I have been fortunate enough to qualify every year I have been teaching here, and every year I go, I’m excited when I get home,” Pinnell said.

“I know as an advisor it brought a significant meaning for what my job is and I am more inspired,” said Tucumcari FFA advisor Kandy Hutchins.

Hutchins took five students for the quiz contest this year and placed 22nd overall.

Taylor Hayes, one of the Tucumcari students who participated, said seeing all the states come together under the blue and gold was one of the best things.

My experience at the convention didn’t include success for my agri-science project, but getting to see former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw speak about the importance of FFA boosted my confidence. I felt more excited about the organization, win or lose.

“During convention I learned that it takes all kinds of people, good and bad, to make up the world,” Hayes said. “There are multiple opportunities that are open through agriculture in our country for us to be involved in, whether it be education, leadership or science.”

Texico’s FFA contestants had real success this year. Their poultry team finished sixth overall. Texico’s agri-science team was ninth overall, its ag mechanics squad finished 16th and the dairy group was in the top 20 teams.

Success makes the convention a little sweeter, or, in Pinnell’s word, “indescribable.”

I have to agree the FFA National Convention is hard to describe to people who have never been.

FFA students from all over the country, wearing blue and gold jackets, fill the Louisville streets. Everyone is proud to support agriculture in any way they can. The sessions are like rock concerts as the stadium (in my case the Indianapolis Colts Stadium) is roaring with the students’ excitement.

“Students come back excited about FFA and want to be successful in FFA and in life in general,” Pinnell said.

Pinnell said he wishes he could take all his members to the convention to experience it, but it is expensive getting to Louisville.

Hutchins agrees with me: Every FFA student should experience the convention at least once. I gained self-confidence and figured out what it means to promote agriculture and what agriculture means to me.

Staff writer Lillian Bowe wishes she could go to the FFA convention every year. Contact her at [email protected] or 575-461-1952.