Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
lilcolumnweb
QCS Columnist
Once a year, students from all over the nation, including Puerto Rico, gather to compete in agriculture-based competitions. This event is called the National FFA Convention which, for me was one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Every fall, a few lucky students who qualified in events like poultry judging, the agri-science fair or the FFA quiz get to go to Louisville, Kentucky.
This year the convention was from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Not only do the students get to participate in events they also get to experience sessions with keynote speakers and see the National FFA Officer team.
Texico FFA teacher, Tod Pinnell agrees that the convention is a life-changing experience not just for the students, but for the teachers as well.
“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 kids for the quiz contest this year and placed 22nd overall, but the students got more out of it.
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.
Texico’s FFA contestants had real success this year. Their poultry team won 6th overall and are going to Atlanta for the International Poultry Expo. Texico’s agri-science team won 9th overall, its ag mechanics squad won 16th and the dairy group won a silver emblem.
Success makes the convention a little sweeter, or, in Pinnell’s words, “indescribable.”
I have to agree that the FFA National Convention is hard to describe to people who have never been there.
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 that every FFA students should experience the convention at least once. I agree. I gained self-confidence and figured out what it means to promote agriculture and what agriculture means to me.
Lillian Bowe is a staff writer at the Quay County Sun. She can be reached at [email protected]