FFA State Conference: a “Once in a Lifetime Type of Thing”

Selma High’s FFA organization reported to Sacramento this year for their annual FFA State Conference.

“This conference happens once a year, every year,” stated senior, Kendall Hinton.

FFA stands for the “Future Farmers of America”. Essentially, each state in the United States has their own annual state conference, as well as their own national level convention. 

“FFA members from all around the state, from tons of chapters attend this event. Thousands of people go!” exclaimed Hinton. “A chapter is chartered through the state level, so to keep a good standing with the state association, we have our two delegates vote.” explained Hinton.

Selma High has two delegates that attend sessions and committee meetings to vote on changes to the California FFA Constitution and bylaws, as well as voting for next year’s state officers. Non-delegates attend sessions where they can hear current state officers’ retiring addresses, the award winners at the state level, and attend workshops to become better leaders. FFA also attends expos to see agricultural colleges and jobs involving agriculture.

“This year, it is in Sacramento,” explained Hinton. “During the week-long conference, we vote on the state’s bylaws and rules, vote for next year’s state FFA officers, attend workshops for leadership and member engagement, go on tours of agricultural facilities, and attend the conference’s sessions with guest speakers,” said Hinton.

One of the delegates this year was Daniel Arrevalo, who has been in FFA for three years.

“Aksel Harrison and I are the only two people that vote and represent Selma High agriculture.” stated Arrevalo.

Arrevalo was really inspired by this year’s Conference.

“It taught me how to be a leader; it taught me patience,” responded Arrevalo.

Both Hinton and Arrevalo were pleased with the Conference this year.

“It’s a once in a lifetime type of thing,”Arrevalo exclaimed. “You get to meet so many different people from all over California and you get to socialize!” 

Overall, the FFA organization was very content with how the State Conference went in Sacramento.