National FFA Convention Comes to Indianapolis

The National FFA Convention is here in Indianapolis this week, and we enjoyed attending the kickoff luncheon at the Convention Center on October 29, 2019. Our speakers focused on the themes of gratitude, leadership, and the future.

The FFA is celebrating 50 years of women’s participation in the organization. Membership is about 50/50 now, and females make up 57% of the leadership positions, according to National FFA CEO Mark Poeschl.

Featured speakers at the lunch included National FFA President Luke O’Leary, from California, who reminded attendees of the importance of gratitude. He spoke of gratitude to our farmers, truckers, cooks, friends, families, teachers, mentors, and other community leaders.

Jane Ade Stevens, outgoing CEO of the Indiana Soybean Association and the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, participated in a panel discussion with Visit Indy’s Chris Gahl and National FFA’s Mark Poeschl. She reminded the girls in the audience that they can do any job in the agricultural industry, from livestock farming to food preparation. Doors which had been closed are opening for women in agriculture. The same is true for male FFA participants — 40% of the FFA chapters are in urban areas. Agriculture is changing and students are helping to lead the charge.

We are looking forward to a week of FFA events here in our home city of Indianapolis. Welcome to all the attendees — we hope you enjoy your time here in Indy.