Category Archives: 2017 Convention

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct.26, 2017/National FFA Organization) – When Kellie Einck was a youngster, she found horsepower and torque far more interesting than playing dress up. The Paullina, Iowa, resident’s fascination with engine mechanics eventually led her to take agriculture and … Continue reading →

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Oct.26, 2017/National FFA Organization) – Since the invention of the push mower, cutting the grass represents a rite of passage for many kids. The only difference for Austin Nordyke was that his mower’s puttering speed propelled him to … Continue reading →

When Nick Vollmer joined FFA as a freshman, the last sentence of the FFA Creed spoke to him in a big way. The words that changed the course of his future are simple, yet profound: “I believe that American agriculture … Continue reading →

Jake Fanning of May, Okla., originally purchased cattle as a part of a competition with his FFA chapter, but that simple transaction turned him onto a lifestyle and passion for work in the cattle industry. It all began when a … Continue reading →

For Mark Cavallero, farming has been a way of life for as long as he can remember. In fact, the Madera, Calif., resident’s first vivid recollections are of helping steer a tractor and doing chores on the farm. His family … Continue reading →

Growing up on the family farm, Joseph Arnold of Holloway, Minn., knew early on that he wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. When Arnold joined FFA and began learning even more about the industry through classes, he realized working … Continue reading →

Raised on a farm that embraces GPS guided tractors and satellite maps, early on Loren King developed a penchant for problem-solving involving technology. Throughout the past few years, King has had opportunities to learn how technology is shaping the landscape … Continue reading →

Leah Hefty enjoyed taking her animals to a local nursing home to offer residents the joy of visiting with her. But the cost of hay to feed her animals was always a concern. Entertaining as they were to watch and … Continue reading →

Since third grade, Chrysta Beck of Archbold, Ohio, has raised broilers and layers to sell meat and egg products to local customers. As she got older and joined FFA, she developed a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) that would look into … Continue reading →

Libby Baker-Mikesell competed in her first science fair as a second-grader. Her goal at the time was clearly defined: find a problem and then create a solution. The Port Royal, Penn., resident met the challenge and took that direction to … Continue reading →