The 2023 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, concluded in early November with several noteworthy achievements from Idaho students.
Approximately 700 Idaho students attended the convention, where they engaged in competitions, leadership workshops, tours and educational seminars. This annual event attracted nearly 73,000 members from across the nation.
In the Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE), Eliza Dugan, a senior and president for the Jerome FFA Chapter, placed second in the nation with her speech titled "Burp by Burp." The speech outlined various methods to reduce methane emissions in livestock production, including incorporating seaweed into the diet.
With her involvement in showing beef cattle and being raised on a dairy farm, Dugan felt she could bring a perspective from both industries. She said, “I really thought this was an important speech to give now because of climate change becoming a bigger issue for the agriculture industry, and us getting a lot of bad representation with this. And so, coming from that producer’s background, I thought, here's a speech I can give – that's one, timely, and two, being able to make a positive light for agriculture and highlight all the ways we are improving.”
Remarkably, Dugan shared that she has faced challenges with a speech impediment, undergoing eight years of speech therapy. She attributes her progress to the support of her parents and coaches. Dugan said, “Without FFA, I probably wouldn't be the speaker I am today.”
Eliza Dugan stands for a photo after placing second in the Prepared Public Speaking CDE. Photo provided by Nicole Lebsack.
Also placing second was Middleton FFA’s floriculture team. Team members included Annie Harrison, Madilyn Cable and Ryan Moore, all college freshmen who competed on Middleton’s floriculture team for the last two years. Harrison, who is currently studying at Brigham Young University and works at the campus floral shop, placed fifth as an individual.
Reflecting on the win, Harrison shared, “It’s kind of fun because you’re on the stage, they don’t tell you what place you got until you’re already up there. And so, we knew we were top four, and they started going down the list and we didn’t get fourth, we didn’t get third, and then when we got second, it was just really exciting. We’re all really happy and proud of what we have accomplished.”
While Harrison didn't have a background in agriculture and initially joined FFA for the floriculture team, her story is a great example of FFA connecting with urban America.
Annie Harrison, Madi Cable, Kayelee Austin and Ryann Moore stand for a photo as the second place floriculture team. Photo provided by Nicolas Davis.
“I have had many students excel in welding classes and get careers, but Annie is the first student I have had jump into a plant science career,” said Nicholas Davis, one of Middleton Chapter’s advisers. “She naturally exhibits skills from higher-trained florists years ahead of her training. Annie has a wonderful future bringing joy to people with flowers, something that the FFA experience offered.”
The American Falls FFA Chapter achieved an exceptional recognition, ranking among the top three chapters in the nation as a Model of Excellence finalist. Savannah Stroebel, one of American Falls’ chapter advisers said, "It was almost unbelievable. This kind of accomplishment for our students meant the world to all of us. It is the only award in our organization that honors the entire chapter, allowing all of our members to take pride in the work they have done to get there. I am beyond proud of our chapter and community."
Additionally, their chapter’s Parliamentary Procedure team secured an impressive fourth place. Team members included Cody Carlon, Hannely Cardona, Jacy Wagstaff, Fernando Montelongo, Averee Nelson and Martin Hernandez.
In the Milk Quality and Products category, the Preston FFA Chapter placed fifth, featuring team members Jacob Smith, Jenna Crossley, Emily Sorensen and Jordan Sorenson. Individually, Jenna Crossley secured fifth place, while Jordan Sorensen earned an impressive second place.
Martin Hernandez, Cody Carlon, Averee Nelson, Jacy Wagstaff, Hannely Cardona and Fernando Montelongo stand for a photo after placing fourth in Parliamentary Procedure. Photo provided by Savannah Stroebel.
Sorensen, who graduated last year, had competed at nationals in two other events in years prior, but this was the first time he had placed at a gold level. His experience with agriculture comes from spending time with both sets of grandparents, who dairy and run some beef cows.
Reflecting on his experience in the Milk Quality and Products CDE, Sorensen shared, “I learned to just never give up, honestly. I was kind of getting discouraged with that event because I go through streaks – sometimes I would do really well at districts or I would tank districts and do really well at state – you just got to go with the ups and downs. You got to take it as it goes and learn how to brush it off and just be ready for next time.”
Rigby FFA also placed fifth in the Farm Business Management CDE. Team members were Waynelle Berrett, Jesa Arnold, Will Warner and Mack Poole. Warner is a senior and was also recognized as the national runner-up in the Equine Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award for his work training and marketing performance horses.
Lex Godfrey, a Rigby chapter adviser, said, “These are all tremendous young people who strive to make a positive difference.”
Nearly all Idaho students who competed as individuals in Proficiency Award categories were finalists across 45 Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE), which highlight student work-based learning projects.
Mack Poole, Jesa Arnold, Waynelle Berrett, William Warner and coach Robert Hale stand for a photo after placing fifth in Farm Business Management. Photo provided by Lex Godfrey.
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