This spring, 73 FFA members from across the country traveled to Denver, Colo., to explore careers in the animal systems industry. It's part of the Next Gen Conference offered by the National FFA Organization.
The Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020, focuses on specific pathways — from animal systems to biotechnology systems. Members access new ideas, trends and opportunities that connect them directly with industry leaders. The conference is designed specifically to give FFA members hands-on, industry-relevant experience.
"We heard from our members that they wanted more opportunities to explore careers in agriculture. It was one of the reasons the Next Gen Conferences were developed. It allows members to explore their future careers," said Celya Glowacki, the advocacy, literacy and ag-based experiences manager with the National FFA Organization. "This spring's conference will help us cultivate future leaders in the animal systems pathway through a week of experiential learning, relevant education and networking."
Members explored diverse animal operations around Denver and learned how to plan for their future careers. In addition, they learned about marketing, new technologies and unique opportunities in animal systems.
Indiana members attending the #FFANextGen conference include Jenna Bushong of the Southmost FFA Chapter, Kaleb Crowder of the Hope FFA Chapter, Kirsten Cummings of the Cascade FFA Chapter, Dane Kissell of the Southwestern-Shelby FFA Chapter, Courtney Phillips of the Hamilton Southeastern FFA Chapter, Emily Recker of the Northeast Dubois FFA Chapter and Claire Wood of the Hamilton Southeastern FFA Chapter.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Categories: Indiana, Livestock