'Discovering the scientist within' during Minnesota FFA State Convention 2025

The University of Minnesota's College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the 2025 Minnesota State FFA Convention in late April. The campus transformed into a sea of blue as FFA members from across the state sported their iconic  jackets, bringing an infectious energy and enthusiasm that invigorated the students, faculty, and staff they encountered.

One of the highlights of the convention was the "Discover the Scientist Within" event, where FFA students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on scientific activities and explore the vast array of academic and career possibilities within CFANS. The event was designed to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers, and agricultural leaders.

The campus was lively with the presence of these FFA members, their advisors, and their guests, whose passion for agriculture and science was evident. Their participation added a dynamic atmosphere as they moved between workshops, engaged with faculty, and interacted with current CFANS students. The sight of their blue jackets symbolized a shared commitment to learning and growth, and their energy and excitement left a lasting impression on everyone at CFANS, reminding us of the importance of nurturing and supporting the next generation of scientists and agricultural professionals. 

FFA is a national organization developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Minnesota FFA Association represents 15,673 members and 218 agricultural education programs across the state. Agricultural education engages students through hands-on learning in the classroom, work-based learning opportunities known as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and FFA activities.