BILLINGS – Agriculture is connected to everything we do, and students came to Billings Wednesday to learn more about the industry.
About 2,000 students are attending the 88th annual Montana FFA Convention.
It’s a chance for them to learn skills that will help them with communication, leadership, and serving.
In 1988, the Future Farmers of America changed its name to the National FFA Organization, to reflect the diversity in the agriculture industry.
The organization is about more than agriculture and will help students pursue different careers.
"It is not just about, we like to say ‘sows, plows and cows,’” said Montana FFA 2nd Vice President Abbey Dunn from Corvalis. “It’s for the future doctors, for the future engineers, future scientists. Anyone that has any dreams or aspirations for the future, FFA will help you get there."
"What I’ve learned about FFA and about life is that, just take every experience you can,” said FFA National President Breanna Holbert from Lodi, Calif. “Just do one thing and that one thing can lead to another thing and continue to grow not only who you are but the people around you."
"I had a real interest in agriculture and it kind of developed that passion,” said OPI Agriculture Education Specialist and FFA alumnus Shannon Boswell. “I remember my freshman year, my teacher saying it doesn’t matter what you do. Just find something to be passionate about and that’s what I was able to connect with."
The state FFA convention runs through Saturday.
Some students are competing in different events and the winners will advance the national convention in Indianapolis, Oct. 24-27.
