The Future Farmers of America State Convention took place April 4-7 in Billings where students from chapters all over Montana gathered to compete, learn and have fun. Nine St. Regis students participated with teams in Farm Agribusiness Management, Livestock Judging and Ag Mechanics. Chapter advisor, Chera Antos said the highlight of the trip was two of their State Degree recipients, Anna Sanford and Jacob Jasper, were recognized at an award banquet with family members present to share their achievements.

In Montana, only about three percent of the state membership earned state degrees this year, she said. In order to earn the degree, they must complete the Greenhand and Chapter degrees and have several other accomplishments including 360 hours of agriculture education; demonstrate leadership ability; and have several hours of various community service projects.

During the Livestock Judging there were 80 registered teams with nearly 300 members. Competitors were judged in nine classes of Angus bulls; heifers; crossbred gilts; breech does; wether dams; feedlot cattle; market hogs; and keep and cull lambs. Both oral and written tests were given during competition. Antos said April 30 through May 1st is the last of the state competitions, “we have three teams competing in Big Timber in Horse Evaluation, Ag Communications and Food Science.”

Members at the four-day conference participated in several events including delegate sessions, daily state sessions, and Student Success Workshops. There was also a dancing workshop, a talent show, and a trade show. At the trade show there was a military obstacle course set up, representatives from area universities and other vendors.

There was also a Day of Service with the goal of getting members involved in various service projects in and around Billings. This year members had the opportunity to work with the local food bank filling food boxes and helped with the library. Members not only had fun, but gained valuable volunteer hours and did a great service to their community.

Other entertainment including hypnotist, Brian Imbus and a very special and compelling keynote speaker, Dave Roever, who is a Veteran from the Vietnam War and Purple Heart recipient.

FFA became a national organization in 1928 and was formed as a way to promote and support agricultural education in middle and high school classrooms. The organization’s stated purpose is “to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” Including such diverse fields of study as science, technology, business, food, fiber and natural resources industries. FFA chapters teach students real world applications for their fields of study.