by Caden Wittrock – South O’Brien FFA Chapter Reporter
Early on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, members of the South O’Brien FFA started their trip to Indianapolis for the National FFA Leadership Conference where almost 73,000 members, advisors and guests were in attendance.
South O’Brien sent 11 members, which included the two teams competing in national contests. During the trip, the members had opportunities for tours, workshops, and attending the sessions. This year, the group toured the Apache Sprayer factory, Indianapolis Speedway and had some fun at the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo which was open only for the National Convention attendees.
The main Opening Session was held at Lucas Oil Stadium which is always one of the favorite parts of the trip. All the students agreed that the energy was amazing in the stadium and it was so cool to see half the stadium full of blue corduroy FFA jackets.
The members who were not competing also had the opportunity to attend two leadership workshops. The first was called Your Words Have Worth in which they learned how to advocate for agriculture, and the second was Be Kind to Your Mind which covered how to mentally take care of oneself. Time was also spent at the large career expo where hundreds of vocational schools, colleges, and ag businesses were available to discover and explore many ag careers and opportunities in postsecondary job training and education.
Austin Negus said it is one of the best FFA experiences you can have. It is so fun to do all the tours, visit all the sessions, and spend time with friends all while learning a lot.
Everyone arrived back in Paullina on November 4th around midnight, tired but full of memories.