This summer, 45 FFA members from across the country will arrive in St. Louis, Mo., to explore careers in the plant industry. It’s all part of the Next Gen Conference offered by the National FFA Organization.
The Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020, focuses on specific pathways from animal systems to biotechnology systems members might be interested in. The inaugural conference was held in February 2020 and then put on hold for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, #FFANextGen is back, focusing on plant systems. Members will access new ideas, trends and opportunities that will connect them directly with industry leaders during the conference. The conference is designed specifically to give FFA members hands-on, industry-relevant experience.
Members will also explore diverse plant operations around St. Louis and learn how to plan for their future careers. In addition, they will learn marketing, new technologies, and unique opportunities in plant systems.
Students attending the conference include:
California
Olivia Bruns of Woodland FFA
Connecticut
Molly Katzman of Suffield Regional FFA
Gabryele Carter of Smyrna FFA
Bruce Clark of Smyrna FFA
Allyson Holmes of Smyrna FFA
Richard Michaud of Smyrna FFA
Georgia
Lillian Head of Commerce High School FFA
Emily Friedman of Commerce High School FFA
Idaho
Trew Lammers of Bonners Ferry FFA
Illinois
Joshua Fuller of Canton FFA
Jenna Grab of Freeburg FFA
Megan Baker of Neoga FFA
Indiana
Katelyn McMillan of Southern Wells FFA
Iowa
Shelby Brosh of Estherville FFA
Nathanial Richards of Diamon Trail FFA
Maryland
Micayla Linkous of Frederick CTC FFA
Cervando Valentin of Frederick CTC FFA
Holly Knight of Hereford FFA
Michigan
Sophia Barnum of Mason FFA
William Barnum of Mason FFA
Cecilia Boscher of Fowlerville FFA
Devonee Gnagey of Laker FFA
Emily Smith of Laker FFA
Minnesota
Mason Boser of Pierz FFA
Eleanor Osmond of Highland Park Senior High FFA
Eddy Westmoreland of Pierz FFA
Missouri
Aaron Carter of Audrain County R-6 FFA
Keith Farmer of Polo FFA
Jacob Heitman of Elsberry FFA
Taylor Myers of Jackson FFA
New Jersey
Maisie Shimko of Union County FFA
New York
Hanna Lighthall of Beaver River FFA
Oklahoma
Mason Harris of Morrison FFA
South Carolina
Whitner Bobo of Belton Honea Path FFA
South Dakota
Matthew Goodwin of Belle Fourche FFA
Cameron Noethlich of Doland FFA
Taylor Nelson of Colome FFA
Tennessee
Paige Pardue of Hendersonville, FFA
Texas
Makayla Kelley of Academy FFA
West Virginia
Garret Ammons of Tyler FFA
Wisconsin
Alicia Krusey of Prairie Farm FFA
Delaney Becker of Auburndale FFA
Amanda Bender of Big Foot FFA
Claressa Viau of Steven Point FFA
Kayla Gilmore of Anderson FFA