During the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, the Agriscience Fair Research Exposition spotlights the diverse and innovative spirit of FFA members who are redefining the boundaries of agriculture and STEM.
“I went to my teacher the first day and I was like, ‘Well, I don’t like farming and I don’t like growing crops.’ She said, ‘Well, just what’s something you’re interested in?’ ” says Tinlee Jeffrey, Bloomer FFA member and 2023 National FFA Agriscience Fair finalist. “We found a way to connect sugar to the FFA. It kind of opened my eyes to what else FFA can hold besides just growing crops.”
In conducting their studies, members are focusing on addressing real-world problems and finding potential solutions. For example, Jonesville FFA member Ryder Cornett examined food waste and inflation, while Kamryn Kiser and Prezley Furer, both Ridgemont FFA members, explored how agriculture is perceived through social media platforms like TikTok.
The event also provides networking opportunities. While presenting their projects, members can interact with researchers, scientists and industry professionals as well as FFA members, advisors and special guests.
“I think this [event] takes the science, the people and the connections that need to be made going forward to continue to push agriculture forward in the best light,” says John Sellenrick, head of training at Syngenta.
See for yourself. Learn more about the many agriscience fair projects in the Expo Hall in the Indiana Convention Center.
Article edited by FFA New Horizons editor Lauren Quinlan.
