Lincoln, Neb. —FFA members throughout Nebraska stormed Lincoln for the 95th Nebraska State FFA Convention turning the capital’s usual sea of red into a sea of blue.
Members were easily recognizable from their blue corduroy jackets as they roamed the downtown area and took over the University of Nebraska at Lincoln’s East Campus from March 29 to March 31.
FFA members had a schedule full of contests, sessions, workshops, and different events offered on East Campus to keep them engaged and excited for the convention.
Among the events offered on East Campus were the UNL Welcome event, facility tours, a scavenger hunt, Agriculture Economics workshops, and a pitch competition hosted by the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program.
“CASNR loves having our Nebraska FFA students on campus because they are an awesome group of young adults. While they are here, we have the opportunity to see all of their talents and skills that have been expanded through FFA. Students also get a taste for what life on campus and in college looks like, and that helps them feel better about their next steps,” said Sue Ellen Pegg, a recruitment coordinator for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
While some students got more comfortable on campus and got a glimpse of what college looks like, other students were confident that they would be back to East Campus this fall.
Niels Schmidt is a member of the Lakeview FFA Chapter from Columbus, Nebraska planning to return to East Campus in the fall for Agricultural Economics. He found his interest in Agriculture Economics from growing up in agriculture and his time in FFA.
“My time in FFA has impacted me because it’s led me to my career path and allowed me to make a lot of connections and to network with different people,” said Schmidt.
While in Lincoln, Schmidt competed in Farm Business Management and Livestock Judging. Contests like these allow students to learn more about and experience potential career paths in the agriculture industry.
During the 6th session held at Pinnacle Bank Arena, Schmidt was one of 687 members to receive their State Degree. The State Degree is the highest degree that can be awarded on the state level and opens the door to the American Degree, the highest degree awarded on the national level.