Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology will help host more than 6,000 high school agricultural students and educators Saturday through Tuesday, April 23 through 26 as part of the 88th California State Future Farmers of America (FFA) Leadership Conference.
Featuring the theme “Electrify,” this year’s conference will attract students and educators to participate in workshops, motivational leadership sessions and networking.
At Saturday’s FFA Field Day event between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fresno State students, faculty and volunteers will administer 24 contests on campus. There will be judging and demonstrations in the categories of agronomy, dairy, equine, farm power, fruit tree, grapevine, land, landscape, livestock, machinery, marketing, nursery, poultry, pre-vet and small engine. An awards ceremony will follow at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Fresno Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall.
On Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., about 100 Fresno State students, staff and faculty will host conference attendees on campus in workshops, tours of the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory and career development events that challenge participants’ industry knowledge.
Among Sunday’s 63 campus presentations, FFA National Secretary Nick Baker and FFA National President Taylor McNeel will speak at 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively, in the North Gym (Room 118).
On Monday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the downtown Exposition Center, Jordan College students, faculty and staff will host three booths among the 60 exhibitors at the career show.
Fresno State will also host a dinner on Friday for the 79 FFA student officer candidates who will be welcomed by University President Joseph I. Castro. The state’s six newly-elected student officers will be honored Tuesday at a campus luncheon with Jordan College Dean Sandra Witte and FFA officials.
About 80 Fresno State students, many who are FFA alumni, planned and coordinated Fresno State’s involvement in the conference.
The California FFA was founded in 1928 and is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students from 320 high schools. Its programs aim to develop its 85,000 members’ potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
For more information, visit State FFA Finals and Field Day or State Convention, or contact Megan O’Connell at meganoconnell95@mail.fresnostate.edu or 559.905.9299.
