By Andi Anderson
The streets of downtown Indianapolis came alive with blue and gold as thousands of FFA members gathered for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. The event, held at the Indiana Convention Center, is expected to draw more than 70,000 attendees from across the country this week.
Kristy Meyer, communications manager for the National FFA Organization, said the convention celebrates youth leadership and innovation in agriculture. “They are the future of Ag,” Meyer said. “They are our future generation of leaders. So it’s just a really good opportunity.”
Throughout the convention, students engaged in hands-on activities such as welding demonstrations, farm simulators, and networking sessions with over 80 colleges and universities offering agricultural programs. The event also featured award ceremonies recognizing outstanding student achievements.
For many students, the convention showcases agriculture’s diversity beyond the farm. Neveah Bradley, a high school junior from Knox, Indiana, said FFA opens doors to numerous opportunities. “Not just like a basic farmer,” she said. “There’s so many different jobs you can get from it.”
First-time attendee Bruley McQuiston from Colorado agreed, emphasizing that agriculture now includes fields like business, technology, and marketing. “A lot of kids here have farms back at home,” he said, “but they’re going to be in Ag sales or Ag business.”
With more than 350 agricultural careers highlighted, the convention continues to inspire future leaders in food production, agribusiness, and sustainability.
Indianapolis, which has hosted the event since 2016, will remain the home of the National FFA Convention through 2040, strengthening its legacy as the heart of youth agricultural leadership. The convention runs through Saturday.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Rural Lifestyle