Waukon FFA travels to 92nd National Convention


Little Switzerland FFA Chapter members attend National FFA Convention ... Left to right - Front row: Kaylee Gibbs, Carly Palmer, Maddy Moser, Diana Davison, Violet Holthaus; Back row: Marcus Gibbs, Reese Reisinger, Faith Palmer, Alaina Gebel, Teddy Holthaus, Hailey Bechtel, Nathan Johnson. Submitted photo.

American FFA Degree... Waukon High School 2018 graduate Danielle Stock was awarded her American FFA Degree and Gold Key at the 2019 National FFA Convention. Submitted photo.

by Carly Palmer, Waukon High School Little Switzerland FFA Chapter Reporter

October 29 through November 2, 12 members of the Waukon High School Little Switzerland FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, IN for the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo. During their time at National Convention, members explore the Expo, attended sessions and workshops, went on industry tours, attended concerts and much more.

This year, chapter members had the chance to participate in three tours, The Farm at Prophetstown in West Lafayette, IN, Wea Creek Orchard in Lafayette, IN and Kinze Manufacturing Inc. in Williamsburg. On the way to Indianapolis, members stopped at Kinze Manufacturing where they were able to tour the factory where the Kinze equipment is built as well as visit the company’s Innovation Center.

Members traveled to the National FFA Center, the headquarters for the organization. While there, members had the opportunity to see various aspects of the history of the organization and see first-hand where the day-to-day operations are conducted.

At The Farm at Prophetstown, members learned about the operation of a 1920s farmstead and the options of ordering a house from a catalog. The farm is able to remain in operation through the partnership with other farmers in the area.

After a short drive, members arrived at Wea Creek Orchards. The orchard is home to many acres of apples, hedge apples, pumpkins, peaches and bees. The farm is operated by the Wea family’s third generation and contains a market where members were able to sample the various apples grown on the farm.

While members were at the convention they had the opportunity to attend a variety of sessions. During the opening session, members heard from Bob Goff, a New York Times best selling author and nonprofit founder. Members spent time visiting with colleges and agricultural businesses from across the nation while they visited the National FFA Expo and shopping mall.

Members had the chance to choose from over 40 different student workshops that ranged over a variety of topics. National FFA Officers gave their retiring addresses during sessions providing members with words of inspiration. During the evening, members made their way to a concert featuring Brett Young with special guest Tenille Towns.

To conclude the members’ time at the convention, now graduate Little Switzerland FFA Chapter member Danielle Stock received her American FFA Degree. This degree is the highest degree the FFA organization can bestow on a member. Less than one half of one percent of all members receive this honor within the organization. After a long week, members returned to Iowa to be able to share their experiences with other members to motivate them to reach their potential within the local chapter of the FFA organization.