A sea of blue corduroy
By Zach Ruesler

Cheers of excitement and anxious applause shook the foundation of Freedom Hall in Louisville, Ky., as a sea of blue corduroy jackets filled by anxious FFA members awaited Jackie Mundt, FFA president, to tap the gavel and begin the 10th and final session of National FFA convention Saturday, Oct. 29.

More than 50,000 students from across the United States, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico flocked to Louisville last week to take part in the 78th annual National FFA Convention. Students were given the opportunity to see agriculture in action and take part in career development events while listening to motivational speakers from all walks of life.

“It is a truly unique and amazing opportunity to be able to take part in,” said Margaret Mitchell, a current Kentucky state FFA officer. “This convention was what got me excited about the FFA organization when I was a greenhand. To look around and see students in the same place I was five years ago, it is simply awesome.”

One of the main reasons for the convention is to reward students for their hard work throughout the year. This year, Missouri had one of the strongest showings it has ever had, which included winning first in the nation in the Agronomy and Dairy Foods career development events. In addition to these awards, Missouri also placed in the top four in the Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Sales, Farm Business Management, Floriculture, Parliamentary Procedure and Poultry Evaluation career development events.

“It was a great experience where I learned a lot,” said Kristen Kallash, an MU freshman agricultural education major who placed third in the Agricultural Sales event.

“It was a lot of hard work and practice, but when I was named third in Ag Sales, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was so pleased with myself and my team. The CDE was a lot of fun and seeing and meeting people from other states is always a great time.”

Many students also represented Missouri in the area of Proficiency Awards. There were six students in six separate areas that placed within the final four of their designated areas of proficiency, while Charles Tyler Jones of Chillicothe, Mo., was named the national winner in Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production category.

Miller, Mo., FFA member, Scott Hill, had the distinct honor of being named American Star Farmer.

On top of all of this, the Missouri FFA Association had 314 students receive their American FFA Degree, more than any other state.

“It is really the culmination of a year of hard work within the organization,” said Susan Bernt, American FFA Degree recipient. “It feels amazing to finally reach something I have been working so hard for.”

This was the last year that Louisville will host the national convention. Next year it will move to Indianapolis, Ind., home of the National FFA Headquarters.

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