School: Loyal FFA at National Convention (2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Jakobi

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 22 Dec 2021
 

(Written by Brandon Jakobi, Loyal FFA Vice President)

The Loyal FFA officer team attended the 94th National FFA convention that was held from Oct. 27-30. That Tuesday at around 9:15, the officers loaded onto a Progressive Travel bus with three other chapters, (Stanley- Boyd, Thorp, and Greenwood) and headed towards Indianapolis.

On the way there we stopped to tour Jasperson Sod Farm in Union Grove. We started off by going into their office and listening to a presentation on how a sod farm operates, varieties or uses of sod and the equipment used to grow and harvest sod. After the presentation we headed out to the field where there were two large machines and multiple forklifts were harvesting sod and loading it onto trucks. After thanking the farmers for the tour, we boarded the bus and headed to the hotel.

The next morning, we went to Fair Oaks Farms to tour their pig farms. We learned how pigs were raised and what precautions are taken when caring for them. After our visit at Fair Oaks, we departed for Indianapolis. When we arrived, we settled into our hotel rooms and then went into the city for a Brett Young concert. On Thursday morning we dressed in official dress and attended the opening session of convention.

After opening session, we went to the Expo Center until it was time for the afternoon session. The FFA Expo Center is one of the largest expos provided to students. We learned about agricultural companies, universities, and shopped in the FFA mall. During the afternoon session, I went on stage for being a national finalist in agricultural services proficiency award. We also listened to the national secretary, Anna Mathis, give a powerful retirement address.

On Friday morning we went to the expo one last time before departing Indianapolis that afternoon. The officers and I would like to thank the Loyal FFA Alumni for their continued support and for funding a large portion of our trip.