INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, June 13, 2022/National FFA Organization) –This summer, 45 FFA members from across the country will arrive in St. Louis, Mo., to explore careers in the plant industry. It’s all part of the Next Gen Conference offered by the National FFA Organization.

The Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020, focuses on specific pathways from animal systems to biotechnology systems members might be interested in. The inaugural conference was held in February 2020 and then put on hold for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, #FFANextGen is back, focusing on plant systems. Members will access new ideas, trends and opportunities that will connect them directly with industry leaders during the conference. The conference is designed specifically to give FFA members hands-on, industry-relevant experience.

“We heard from our members that they wanted more opportunities to explore careers in agriculture. It was one of the reasons the Next Gen Conferences were developed. It allows members to explore their future careers,” said Celya Glowacki, the advocacy, literacy and ag-based experiences manager with the National FFA Organization. “This year’s conference will help us cultivate future leaders in the plant systems pathway through a week of experiential learning, relevant education and networking.”
Members will also explore diverse plant operations around St. Louis and learn how to plan for their future careers. In addition, they will learn marketing, new technologies, and unique opportunities in plant systems.
Students attending the conference include:
California
Olivia Bruns of Woodland FFA
Connecticut
Molly Katzman of Suffield Regional FFA
Gabryele Carter of Smyrna FFA
Bruce Clark of Smyrna FFA
Allyson Holmes of Smyrna FFA
Richard Michaud of Smyrna FFA
Georgia
Lillian Head of Commerce High School FFA
Emily Friedman of Commerce High School FFA
Idaho
Trew Lammers of Bonners Ferry FFA
Illinois
Joshua Fuller of Canton FFA
Jenna Grab of Freeburg FFA
Megan Baker of Neoga FFA
Indiana
Katelyn McMillan of Southern Wells FFA
Iowa
Shelby Brosh of Estherville FFA
Nathanial Richards of Diamon Trail FFA
Maryland
Micayla Linkous of Frederick CTC FFA
Cervando Valentin of Frederick CTC FFA
Holly Knight of Hereford FFA
Michigan
Sophia Barnum of Mason FFA
William Barnum of Mason FFA
Cecilia Boscher of Fowlerville FFA
Devonee Gnagey of Laker FFA
Emily Smith of Laker FFA
Minnesota
Mason Boser of Pierz FFA
Eleanor Osmond of Highland Park Senior High FFA
Eddy Westmoreland of Pierz FFA
Missouri
Aaron Carter of Audrain County R-6 FFA
Keith Farmer of Polo FFA
Jacob Heitman of Elsberry FFA
Taylor Myers of Jackson FFA
New Jersey
Maisie Shimko of Union County FFA
New York
Hanna Lighthall of Beaver River FFA
Oklahoma
Mason Harris of Morrison FFA
South Carolina
Whitner Bobo of Belton Honea Path FFA
South Dakota
Matthew Goodwin of Belle Fourche FFA
Cameron Noethlich of Doland FFA
Taylor Nelson of Colome FFA
Tennessee
Paige Pardue of Hendersonville, FFA
Texas
Makayla Kelley of Academy FFA
West Virginia
Garret Ammons of Tyler FFA
Wisconsin
Alicia Krusey of Prairie Farm FFA
Delaney Becker of Auburndale FFA
Amanda Bender of Big Foot FFA
Claressa Viau of Steven Point FFA
Kayla Gilmore of Anderson FFA

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.