Three Heartland Members Attended the National FFA Convention
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #1Our members were able to attend the National Convention opening session, the career expo, a breakout session, a workshop, and a shopping mall.
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #2Brin Mierau, Maddie Janzen, and David Hiebner had the opportunity to check out the National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, IA, before the first session of the 99th National FFA Convention.
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #3Heartland FFA members attended the American Degree Ceremony before heading back to Nebraska. The American Degree is the highest degree that a member can earn. This year, Blake Goertzen received his degree, but he was unable to attend.
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #4A quick stop at Field of Dreams allowed Maddie, David, and Brin a chance to listen to a ghost player, who was able to talk about the history and the economic impact that the movie Field of Dreams had on the Dyersville community.
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #5After taking a behind-the-scenes tour of Keeneland Racetrack, the next stop was at Old Friends Home. This is a space for retired racehorses to live out the rest of their days. Members had a chance to feed each horse all the carrots they wanted.
Launch the media gallery 1 player - media #6To end the day of tours, Maddie, Brin, and David were able to take in four races at Keeneland. This was one of the last days of the meet season before shutting down to prepare for the Breeders Cup race series.
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026/National FFA Organization) – The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo welcomed 72,907 FFA members, advisors, and supporters to Indianapolis this week for four days of celebrating achievements, exploring careers, and serving the host community. This year’s theme, “Evolve, Engage, and Empower,” reflected an organization that has grown alongside agriculture for nearly a century and now includes more than 1.05 million student members.
National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a combination of hands-on agricultural education, work-based learning, and leadership and life skills development.
“This week, we watched our members do more than earn recognition,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “They lifted each other up, shared what they’ve learned, and gave back to the community. As we head into our 100th year, it’s clear the future of agriculture is in capable hands. These students will carry what they experienced in Indianapolis back to their chapters and communities, and that’s where the real impact begins.”
Throughout the event, more than 13,500 students and teachers attended 154 workshops at the Indiana Convention Center. Those included 115 student workshops with 12,747 attendees and 39 teacher workshops with 788 attendees. At the National FFA Expo, members explored more than 350 careers in agriculture.
Members also put leadership into action through service. More than 3,200 delegates and students served at 27 local nonprofits across the greater Indianapolis area as part of the convention’s Days of Service.
The Chapter Connect program also brought together members from rural, suburban and urban communities to learn from one another.
On stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, members were recognized for the work they’ve done in their classrooms, chapters, and communities. A total of 5,818 American FFA Degrees, the organization’s highest honor, were awarded. Another 236 Honorary American FFA Degrees went to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education. Members and chapters were also recognized for individual and collective achievements throughout the week.
During the final session of the convention, the 2026-27 National FFA Officers were elected. This team of six will lead the organization into its centennial year:
- Josie Jennings of Ohio was elected national president. She is a member of the Global Impact FFA Chapter.
- Cameron Addington of Minnesota was elected national secretary. He is a member of the Cannon Falls FFA Chapter.
- Cameron Addington of Minnesota was elected national secretary. He is a member of the Cannon Falls FFA Chapter.
- Aiden Manley of Kentucky was elected eastern region vice president. He is a member of the Menifee County FFA Chapter.
- Joshua Nelson of Idaho was elected western region vice president. He is a member of the Troy FFA Chapter.
- Jazmin Palma of North Carolina was elected southern region vice president. She is a member of the Uwharrie Charter Academy FFA Chapter.
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Teagan Erbele of North Dakota was elected central region vice president. She is a member of the Napoleon FFA Chapter.
The convention brings an estimated $42 million in economic impact to Indianapolis each year. The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.
This year, Heartland had three members attend the convention: David Hiebner and Maddie Janzen (seniors), and Brin Mierau (sophomore) were able to learn more about the event. While in attendance, they also participated in a #TeachAg breakout session and a #TeachAg workshop. When not at the convention center, members were able to attend industry tours.
Some of the tour stops included Field of Dreams and National Farm Toy Museum in Dyersville, IA, NCAA Hall of Fame in Indianapolis, IN, as well as Keeneland Racetrack and Old Friends Home in Lexington, KY.
The 100th National FFA Convention & Expo will take place in Indianapolis from Oct. 27-30, 2027. The national convention in 2027 will kick off a yearlong celebration honoring a full century of premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information about the next convention, and visit www.ffa.org/100th-anniversary to learn how FFA is celebrating the past and inspiring the future.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,053,847 student members as part of 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
About the National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education.
Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.