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The 79th National FFA Convention was an exciting experience for thousands of FFA members from across the nation. A record 54,489 members, advisors, parents, and supporters converged on Indianapolis, Indiana for the event. Alabama had over 300 of the attendees participating in competitions, workshops, convention sessions, and other activities.

One event that occurred during the convention was the attendance of some special guests. Dr. Joe Morton, State Superintendent of Education; Mr. Jerry Newby, President of the Alabama Farmers Federation; Mr. Mike Tidwell, Area Organizations Manager for the Alabama Farmers Federation, and Mr. Paul Pinyan, Assistant Legislative Director for the Alabama Farmers Federation, arrived in Indianapolis on Thursday, October 26 and stayed overnight to attend several convention activities. The delegation toured the National FFA Center and the National FFA Career Show. They also attended the fourth general session of the convention and the school officials experience on Friday. A meet and greet session was also scheduled with the group and about 200 FFA members and advisors from Alabama on Friday afternoon.

Joseph Waters, an FFA member from Enterprise, was one of four members from across the nation named a finalist in the Poultry Production Proficiency Awards program. Although he was not selected as the winner of the competition, we are proud of his accomplishment of being named a national finalist.

Delegation from Alabama tour the National FFA Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. (From left) Mr. Mike Tidwell, Area Organizations Manager-Alabama Farmers Federation; Mr. Paul Pinyan, Assistant Legislative Director-Alabama Farmers Federation; Mr. Jerry Newby, President-Alabama Farmers Federation; Dr. Joe Morton, Alabama State Superintendent of Education; and Jeff Papke, LPS Team-National FFA Organization.

Alabama FFA members and advisors greet Dr. Morton and Mr. Newby at the 79th National FFA Convention.

Many people think that FFA and agricultural education is all about growing crops. For Alabama’s Jennifer Himburg, it is about growing as a citizen and a leader. The Ariton High School FFA Chapter member’s leadership skills and passion for service are sure to continue growing in the coming year. Himburg was named the 2006-2007 National FFA Southern Region Vice President today at the 79th National FFA Convention. She was among six individuals selected from a field of 41 to hold national office. She is the daughter of John and Elaine Himburg, and her advisor is Dr. Joe Snell.

Fulfilling her position will require traveling more than 100,000 miles; meeting top leaders in business, government and education; visiting approximately 40 states and participating in an international experience tour to Japan. Her responsibilities will include providing personal growth and leadership training for students, setting policies that shape the future of the organization and promoting agricultural literacy.

The national FFA officer selection process is intense and represents an assessment of years of academic and extracurricular accomplishments made by each student running for office. Nominees must first qualify on the state level to represent their particular state FFA associations. They then submit an in-depth application, detailing their accomplishments and contributions to the community, along with an essay detailing why they desire to be elected to the position. Once at the convention, candidates participate in five rounds of interviews, take an in-depth written test on the organization and agricultural education topics and complete two writing exercises. A panel of nine state FFA officers comprises the nominating committee that proposes the slate of six officers for approval by the convention delegates.

A student at Auburn University, Himburg serves as a College of Agriculture Ambassador and as Director of Public Relations for Delta Gamma. She is also a member of Auburn’s Collegiate FFA Chapter.

Taken at a reception for the newly elected National Officers: (from left) Dr. Larry Case, National FFA Advisor; Coleman Harris, National FFA Executive Secretary; Jennifer Himburg, National FFA Southern Region Vice President; Dr. Joe Snell, FFA Advisor - Ariton High School; Jacob Davis, Alabama FFA Executive Secretary.

As an FFA member, Himburg’s Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) was in Agricultural Sales and Marketing for an agricultural commodity transportation company, a nursery and the Alabama Cooperative Extension Office. She was named outstanding chapter member four times and received a chapter scholarship. She also was a top participant in several district public speaking contests.

"FFA has shown me that by instilling positive values in young individuals, we create a generation that will sustain and carry our nation forward for years to come," Himburg said. "Serving as a national officer will allow me to help students develop and learn lessons that will guide them throughout their lives."

Jacob Davis is the Executive Secretary of the Alabama FFA Association.