The 2024 National FFA Talent competition winner is Ian Mitchell-Edge from the Crisp County FFA Chapter in Georgia. Mitchell-Edge not only won over the crowd, but also the judges, when he performed an original song during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.
“I was like, I can just make a song about my experience in FFA,” he says. “It’s from the heart.”
A unique aspect of the competition is that members can showcase a broad range of skills and abilities, including singing, dancing, juggling, baton twirling, accordion playing, musical performances and more. Hundreds of talent applications are submitted to compete at the national level, but only 49 applications are selected to compete during national convention.
“I’m very honored to be here,” says Connor McMeans, one of the Lauderdale County FFA String Band’s four members from Alabama. “I know we all appreciate it, and we had a good time.”
Sponsored by corporate partner Corteva Agriscience, the competition creates opportunities for members to participate for many years to come. Colton Mortensen, one of this year’s top-three finalists and a Ropes FFA member from Texas, says he felt a lot of emotions about being on this stage, rather than one in his hometown.
“Personally, I think there’s no better feeling, Mortensen says. “This is the coolest performance I think I’ve ever done, and the most joy I felt during an experience.”
Looking to take the leap, showcase your talents and inspire others? Consider applying for the National FFA Talent program for a chance to compete at next year’s national convention.
