Countdown to Convention: The Power of Ag Education and FFA

Students share their experiences overcoming anxiety through opportunities provided by the National FFA Organization.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (RFD-TV) — October marks the start of National FFA Convention month, and the countdown is officially underway with just 28 days until the big event kicks off in Indianapolis. As part of our “Countdown to Convention” series, we’re highlighting how FFA is transforming the lives of students across the country.

For many students, fitting in at school can be an overwhelming experience. However, FFA members claim that agriculture classes and joining the National FFA Organization provided them with a sense of belonging and purpose. By joining the program, students discovered opportunities for personal growth, learned valuable leadership and communication skills, and found a community that supports them.

FFA not only helps students feel connected but also opens the door to a wide range of career paths. From innovation and technology to hands-on farming and agribusiness, FFA equips the next generation of agricultural leaders with the skills to tackle future challenges and strengthen their communities.

As the convention approaches, we’ll continue to share inspiring stories from students who’ve experienced the positive impact of agricultural education and FFA. The 97th National FFA Convention runs October 29 through November 1 in Indianapolis.

Related Stories
The National FFA Organization hosts the Washington Leadership Conference, where thousands of FFA members gather to learn how to be change makers in their communities.
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Stories like this remind us what FFA is all about — leadership, service, and growth.
Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust shares how their Farm to School initiative helps strengthen the connection between local farms and school food programs.
FFA students in New York City are transforming urban spaces into working farms while gaining hands-on skills that connect city life with the roots of agriculture.
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.
For rural borrowers, freeing up community-bank balance sheets could mean steadier home loans, operating lines, and ag real-estate financing as winter planning ramps up.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.
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 Presley Family built Branson’s Original Show on the Strip. “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” was a smash hit, and people from across the country lined up every night for a chance to hear the country music and comedy the Presley Family loved to perform.