By Jacob Davis

The 82nd National FFA Convention was an exciting experience for thousands of FFA members from across the nation. There was an attendance of over 53,000 members, advisors, parents and supporters who converged on Indianapolis, Ind. for the event at the end of October. Alabama had over 520 attendees participating in competitions, workshops, convention sessions and other activities surrounding the convention.

Alabama had several state-winning Career Development Event (CDE) Teams representing Alabama in National Competition. The following chart identifies those teams and the results of their efforts. A special recognition goes to Shane Bryan, advisor, and the Falkville FFA Forestry Team for placing 3rd in the nation. The team members were Ashley Holmes, Justin Jacobs, Christopher Wilhite and Jordan Saint.

Ten FFA chapters in Alabama submitted applications for recognition in the National Chapter Awards Program. Those chapters are listed here alphabetically followed by their star ranking (3 being the highest): Brantley HS FFA (2), East Lawrence HS FFA (2), Eufaula HS FFA (2), Fort Payne HS FFA (3), Geraldine HS FFA (2), Montevallo HS FFA (2), McAdory HS FFA (1), New Brockton HS FFA (2), Pell City HS FFA (2) and Speake HS FFA (3). This program allows chapters to receive recognition for the chapter’s Program of Activities they conduct throughout the year. The Speake FFA Chapter was honored this year by being named as a National Finalist for the Models of Innovation competition of the National Chapter Award Program in two categories: Community Development and Student Development. Each of these chapters is very deserving of the recognition they have received. We have other chapters that do some great programs and don’t receive the recognition they deserve because the chapter officers don’t fill out an application.

The highest honor the National FFA Organization offers to its members is the American FFA Degree. This degree is bestowed upon members who meet certain criteria which substantiate their growth as a productive member of society. Honorary American Degrees are also awarded to teachers, superintendents, partners and others to recognize their support of the agriscience education program and FFA. The following list is of Alabama’s recipients.

Jerry Newby, President, Alabama Farmers Federation

Dr. Joseph B. Morton, State Superintendent of Education

American FFA Degree

Taylor Andrews, Brantley FFA

Jared M. Beasley, Gaston FFA

Ciara Crotzer, Speake FFA

Judy Elizabeth Eldred, Smiths Station FFA

Robert Samuel Ginwright, Montevallo FFA

Brittani Landers, Montevallo FFA

Sarah Lesley, Red Bay FFA

Bethany Ray Lewis, Ashford FFA

Josh Maples, Elkmont FFA

Jonathon Micah Martin, Gaston FFA

Amanda Pangburn, Geraldine FFA

Justin Bryant Posey, Montevallo FFA

Zac Rutherford, Speake FFA

Steven Turbyfill, Red Bay FFA

Salora Wright, Clements FFA

Attending the National Convention with Jerry Newby, President of the Alabama Farmers Federation, were Representative Richard Lindsey of the 39th District and chairman of the Education Finance and Appropriations Committee; Mike Kilgore, Executive Director of the Alabama Farmers Federation; Paul Pinyan, Director of Governmental Affairs of the Alabama Farmers Federation; and Brandon Moore, Director of the ALFA Young Farmers Program of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

The Alabama FFA’s membership of 15,067 afforded the association 12 voting delegates to the National FFA Convention. The delegate process is an important part of the convention and concludes the debate on issues brought out in July at the State President’s Conference in Washington, D.C. One item the delegates passed was to increase national membership dues from $5 per member to $7 per member for the 2010-2011 school year.

Three chapters from Alabama participated in the National FFA Talent program at this year’s convention. The Enterprise Chapter had a quartet that performed at various functions during the national convention. The Kate Duncan Smith D.A.R., Enterprise and Sand Rock Chapters had string bands that performed at various functions as well as on stage at the National Talent Review.

The Goshen FFA Chapter was responsible for Alabama’s Hall of States Exhibit. The advisors of the Goshen Chapter are Rusty Yeomans and Kelly Pritchett.

Justin Posey, 2006-2007 State Reporter from the Montevallo Chapter, was Alabama’s choice as a national officer candidate to go through the nominating committee process. While Justin was not selected as a national officer this year, we are proud of him and wish him the best.

Alabama also had a great showing in the National FFA Alumni, but a separate article will be devoted to their accomplishments.

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