LOUISIANA, Mo. — From November 1-3, eight Louisiana FFA members attended the 96th National FFA Convention. The convention took place in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout their time spent there, they went to general sessions, met new FFA members, and bonded as a chapter.

They started their trip by waking up early and leaving at 5 am. They took the long five hour trip to Indy. Once they arrived, they spent the night going to the World’s Toughest Rodeo at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. After talking to many of the members who attended, this was their favorite event out of the whole trip. They got to see many famous bull riders and bronc riders.

The second day of their trip, they attended the opening session featuring the National FFA band and choir, the national officers, and even heard from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary. After the session the members split up into groups and could either attend the FFA shopping mall or the Convention Expo. Many of the members from the Louisiana chapter enjoyed picking up some more FFA merch and more.

In the Convention Expo, members enjoyed free Culver’s custard, could do VR programs, and talked to many of the colleges. Some even got the chance to get a signed autograph and picture. Sophomore Alivia Perrine said, “I loved getting to meet two famous PBR bull riders Jess Lockwood and Daylon Swearingen.”

After spending many hours at the Expo, they rode scooters around downtown Indianapolis. Then spent the afternoon playing glow golf at a mall in downtown Indy. The group enjoyed 18 holes of glow in the dark putt putt. They had a nice dinner at Texas Roadhouse paid for by the Young Farmers and Ranchers.

The third and final day the group made the trip back to Missouri.

After the whole trip, everyone was exhausted but came home with many memories to last a lifetime.

After talking to many of the members and I too who went, can vouch for the fact that it was an amazing trip. The Louisiana FFA chapter advisor, Alicia Flowers, said, “I thought it was a successful trip. I think our kids really got to experience a lot of parts of it, from the session that we went to and got to hear from the national advisor, the U.S. department of Agriculture Secretary, and mayor of Indianapolis.

Then the Convention Expo where they got to meet with colleges, ag businesses, and really grow those connections with other FFA members.”

If any FFA member gets the chance to ever attend a National FFA convention during their high school career, go for it. You will make many memories and get to see what the world of agriculture has to offer.