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Heartland FFA Traveled to 97th National Convention

November 18, 2024

Members that attended National FFA Convention had the opportunity to visit the iconic career show, watch national competitions, attend workshops, and watch members in the talent competition.

Members learned about the diversity that Hummel Livestock offers at their business from Savannah cats to show goats, to a specific genetic line of angus cattle. This also includes breeding dingos to border collies. Maddie Janzen had the opportunity to pet both the dingo stud (on the right) and his offspring.

Maddie Janzen, Emma Ott, Madison Mason take a break from looking at the carousel milking parlor located at Fair Oaks Farms.

Members take a minute to finish their tour at Fair Oaks Farm after visiting the swine operation.

Members had the opportunity to take in some art at the Indianapolis Art Center on Friday afternoon.

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Members that attended National FFA Convention had the opportunity to visit the iconic career show, watch national competitions, attend workshops, and watch members in the talent competition.

Article from the Heartland FFA

At the end of October, seven Heartland FFA members had the chance to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 97th National FFA Convention. In order to attend, members had to fill out and submit an application. Those members who attended the convention were: KatrinaMarie Epp, Madison Mason, Emma Ott, Madalyn Janzen, Lexi Inglsbee, Braden Janzen, and Andrew Onnen.

On the first day of the trip, members traveled towards Indianapolis with a stop at Hummel Livestock in Cabery, Illinois. There they got to learn about their Savannah Cat operation, as well as show goat and cattle operations. Then these seven students finished off the night with a chapter meal at Cracker Barrel.

At the beginning of the second day, members finished their travels to Indianapolis and attended the expo center all day. After their day at the expo center, they went to the hotel where they had the chance to explore the Keystone Mall for the evening.

On Thursday, they traveled to Reproductive Services Group (RSG) and learned about what they do with the artificial insemination processes for sheep and goats. Then members traveled back to the convention and expo center. There they continued to explore the convention center and learn more about FFA through workshops, watching national competitions, and exploring the career show. Towards the end of the day, they traveled to Conner Prairie for the Headless Horseman encounter.

On Friday, members started their day off with a tour at Fair Oaks Farm where they learned about their dairy and swine operations. Then they traveled back to the Indianapolis Art Center and returned to the hotel for the evening.

On the last day of the trip, members attended the American Degree Ceremony and then traveled home.

The National FFA Convention was a great experience for all of the members who attended, and they learned so much more about FFA and the agriculture industry.