(FFA Advisor Jessica Evans) LINCOLN — For three days, Lincoln was transformed into a hub of agriculture, leadership and celebration as more than 7,000 FFA members from across Nebraska gathered for the 97th Nebraska State FFA Convention, held April 2-4. With this year’s theme, “Every Moment,” students competed in a variety of contests, attended leadership workshops, and participated in hands-on learning experiences that highlight the impact of agriculture.
Reagan Choat of Plainview has served as the 2024-2025 State FFA president and is a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has spent the year representing agriculture and FFA throughout the state and country.
“We selected the theme ‘Every Moment’ because we know it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and if you don’t stop to appreciate what and who is around you, then you can miss out on so much,” said Choat. “We have hosted incredible conferences, witnessed students’ success, and had a lot of fun doing it, but if I had to choose a highlight of the last year, it would be building relationships. I have been able to meet so many exceptional members, advisers and supporters over the last year.”
The Nebraska FFA Convention offered a dynamic lineup of events, including leadership academies, career development competitions, and interactive workshops designed to empower students. Attendees engaged in activities such as the East Campus Scavenger Hunt, explored the Nebraska FFA Foundation Expo, and participated in various speaking and skills contests. Additionally, the convention featured tours of agricultural facilities, providing hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Another large part of the convention were the seven general sessions held at Pinnacle Bank Arena, kicking off on Wednesday night with keynote speaker John Beede, a published author and mountain climber. A professional hypnotist was the entertainment at the fifth session, with the other sessions full of awards for members and retiring addresses from the state officer team.
Members of the Osmond FFA Chapter were recognized for their work with the Nebraska Farm Bureau Connecting Chapters Program during the second general session, as well as for their receipt of the Governor’s Award of Excellence (NIFA) Grant and their success in the National Chapter Award Program.
During the fourth general session Osmond FFA was announced as the Top Chapter in the “I Believe Program” sponsored by the Nebraska FFA Foundation. As the Top Chapter, Osmond FFA received over $1,500 in matching funds to be used towards program expenses.
