Countdown to Convention: How FFA Transforms Hobbies into Hands-On Learning Opportunities

From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, students in the National FFA Organization develop skills to help shape future careers.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (RFD-TV) — The Countdown to Convention is on! Let’s explore how the National FFA Organization helps students turn their hobbies into hands-on learning experiences.

From tinkering with machines to building projects from scratch, these enterprising students are gaining skills that could shape their future career paths.

Watch the future of agriculture in action! Watch gavel-to-gavel coverage of the 98th Annual National FFA Convention live and free October 29 – November 1 only on RFD-TV Now!

SIGN UP TODAY

Related Stories
Roger McEowen explains the concept of “lawfare” — the use of legal systems to intimidate or financially exhaust an opponent — which grew into a central theme of U.S. ag law in 2025.
Tennessee 4-H members Jayden Hesson and Matthew Rochford joined us to discuss how 4-H is helping young leaders plan for the future of agriculture.
Greater transparency into USDA-backed lending can help rural lenders and producers better assess credit availability and investment trends.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
The West Carroll Parish Ag Expo represents more than farming — it is about the future of agriculture, where tradition meets innovation, and where the backbone of Northeast Louisiana continues to thrive.
Auction manager and West Texas A&M University student Presley Graves joined us to discuss the growth of StockShowAuctions.com and its impact on youth in agriculture.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 2/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.