Twelve Wisconsin FFA members and an alum pose for a picture outside the Next Gen Conference: Plant Systems room doors.
Early in March, the National FFA Organization hosted the Next Gen Conference: Plant Systems in Orlando, Fla. FFA members from across the country were selected to participate in a week of industry tours, career skill development and networking with professionals. Members were selected after completing an application involving questions about their supervised agricultural experience, work experience, agricultural education courses taken and passion for agriculture and plant systems.
Wisconsin FFA Members in Orlando
Of the 75 members selected across the country, 12 were from Wisconsin. Members were joined by Wisconsin FFA Alumni member and past Wisconsin FFA state officer, Cortney Zimmerman, who served as a facilitator for the conference. Members who attended the conference included:
- Carolynn Backes, New London
- Jordan Berg, Granton
- Mallory Braun, Shawano
- Reese Cherney, Brillion
- Gracy Fox, East Troy
- Elli Johanek, Mishicot
- Rebecca Konkel, Big Foot
- Blake Mertens, Berlin
- Magdalena Moehn, Clinton
- Trinity Popp, Mishicot
- Hannah Yaeger, Shawno
- Lauren Weed, Bay Port
Industry Tours
Throughout the week, members attended industry tours at Wekiwa Gardens, Scotts Miracle Gro Research Lab, Showcase of Citrus and Cherrylake Tree Farm. At Wekiwa Gardens, attendees learned about the business as a tropical foliage and greenery wholesale provider to companies in every state in the continental United States.
Scotts Miracle Gro Research Lab informed students about the importance of fertilizer, grass and soil research in the turf grass and sod industries.
Scotts Miracle Gro Research Lab showed the importance of fertilizer research and correct turf usage.
Showcase of Citrus allowed members to experience a U-Pick citrus grove and agritourism business.
At Cherrylake Tree Farm, attendees were taught about the behind-the-scenes of the third-largest tree nursery in North America.
Members saw the large nursery where Cherrylake Tree Farm grows millions of trees each year.
Additionally, conference attendees participated in roundtable discussions and hands-on activities with industry professionals, including researchers from NASA and the United States Department of Agriculture.
“It was a privilege to attend the Next Gen Conference: Plant Systems Conference,” says one of the Wisconsin FFA members who attended the conference. “Learning about all of the opportunities in plant systems and the agriculture industry in Florida was inspiring. I feel better equipped to enter a career in agriculture after attending this conference. This truly was an amazing experience.”
