INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of blue jackets have taken over downtown Indianapolis as the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo gets underway, bringing together FFA members, advisors and supporters for four days of competitions, recognition, leadership development and career exploration.
More than 70,000 attendees are expected for this year’s convention, running Oct. 21-24. Among them are Nebraska FFA members representing their chapters in national competitions, pursuing individual awards and celebrating accomplishments from the past year.
The Rural Radio Network is on the ground in Indianapolis, visiting with Nebraska members, advisors and national leaders throughout the week.
Wednesday’s coverage highlighted the preparation behind national competition, the opportunities available through FFA and the experiences bringing students together from across the country.
Eustis-Farnam earns fourth-place national finish
One of Nebraska’s notable accomplishments came in the Agronomy Career Development Event, where the Eustis-Farnam FFA Chapter earned fourth place nationally.
Team members Hunter Kugler, Madelyn Kugler, Christian Maurer and Malakai White spent months preparing for the competition under advisor Chad Schimmels.
The contest tests students on plant and seed identification, agronomic disorders, insects and team problem-solving.
Schimmels said the team’s dedication challenges a common criticism of younger generations.
“I hear a lot that young people today don’t want to work. And that’s just not my experience,” Schimmels said.
For Schimmels, the accomplishment demonstrates that students from small rural schools can compete with programs across the country.
“We can take young people from southwest Nebraska, the middle of nowhere, and we can compete with the best in the nation,” he said.
Rural Radio Network continues Nebraska coverage
The Rural Radio Network will continue following Nebraska FFA members throughout the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, including national award finalists, competitive event results, leadership activities and other accomplishments.
Additional interviews, reports and videos will be added throughout the week as Nebraska members take part in convention activities.
The convention continues through Saturday, Oct. 24, with additional award presentations, general sessions and competitive event recognition.
Rural Radio Network’s National FFA Convention coverage is made possible by the Nebraska FFA Foundation and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
More interviews from Wednesday of convention:
Elm Creek eighth graders Drake Fries and Sawyer McIntosh are already competing on the national FFA stage with their research into material flammability, and they’re making plans to return to Indianapolis with future projects.
Dundy County-Stratton FFA member Maelee Forch shares how competing in the National FFA Creed Speaking Contest pushed her outside her comfort zone, including practice sessions where classmates used ChatGPT to quiz her on the creed.
McCook FFA members Braceton Hauxwell, Ethan Boner, Jackson Blomstedt and Parker Nokes discuss how Zoom practices, help from a local veterinarian and hands-on training prepared them for the National FFA Veterinary Science competition.
Cozad FFA members Addison Howerter, Ava Joyce, Emma Howerter and Mollie Spradlin discuss making chapter history as its first team to compete at the National FFA Convention, sharing how they prepared for the floriculture contest and hope to pave the way for future Haymakers.
Elm Creek FFA members Jacob Fouts, Ethan Fries, Aspen Tool and Jesse Buck visit with the Rural Radio Network’s Steve White about preparing for the national Environmental and Natural Resources competition and their experience representing Nebraska in Indianapolis.
After winning a national championship in Environmental and Natural Resources in 2025, Overton FFA members Paige Walahoski, Toby Orvis, Quinton Anderson and Meagan Lassen returned to Indianapolis to compete in Forestry, sharing how they prepared for a new challenge alongside advisor Julie Loudon.
Waverly FFA member Esther Van Overbeke was named a national finalist in the Agriscience Integrated Systems Proficiency Award area, capping five years of research focused on food safety involving ground beef and plant-based meat products.
