Tennessee FFA Convention Draws Thousands of Students to Gatlinburg

State leaders say the program continues to build the next generation of farmers and producers

GATLINBURG, TENN. (RFD News) — Tennessee FFA students gathered in Gatlinburg at the end of March for the state’s annual convention, showcasing their passion for agriculture and leadership.

The event brought together students from across the state, along with leaders from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, as the organization continues to grow.

FFA State Director Ryan Inman says the program now includes more than 30,000 members across 265 chapters statewide, spanning West, Middle and East Tennessee.

“We are an association of over 30,000 members across the state,” Inman said. “It’s vital to the industry because not only is it creating the next generation of leaders and more well-informed consumers, but it’s also creating our next generation of producers.”

Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt also attended the convention and reflected on how his own experience in FFA continues to shape his career.

“I think back about my time in FFA as a high school student,” Holt said. “I think about the skills that I gained that are applicable to my everyday life, even today as commissioner.”

Next year will mark the 99th annual Tennessee State FFA Convention.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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