Minnesota shines at the ATA Conclave and National FFA Convention

Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA), a National Professional Honorary Agricultural Education Organization that plays a vital role in the preparation of agricultural instructors, held a Conclave in conjunction with the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Twelve members of the University of Minnesota Ag Education and Marketing Club participated in competitive events at the Conclave and received the following recognitions: 
 

•  A.W. Nolan Memorial Leadership Award, which recognizes collegiate agricultural education organizations for their pursuit of national leadership and professional development opportunities for their members.
• Platinum - Organization Distinction
• 1st place - Fundraising
• 1st place - Professional Development

The team also placed first in the Parliamentary Procedure competition, with Henry Koerner recognized as the Top Chair, and Mary Lanoue as Top Secretary.

University of Minnesota AECM Club Members participating in the ATA Conclave:

• Nathaniel Clore
• Elijah Doyamo
• Noah Erickson
• Riley Hecht
• Grace Herdering
• Henry Koerner
• Mary Lanoue
• Abigail Monse
• John Newberg
• Savannah Selin
• Lily St. Dennis
• Marvus Whyte

More than 1,000 Minnesota FFA members joined the record attendance of 73,000+ participating in the 98th National FFA Convention. Minnesota FFA was well represented and did a fantastic job showcasing their talents individually, on teams, and with their chapters.

Three Minnesota Chapters received outstanding recognition through the National Chapter Award Program including the Model of Excellence Winner (Glencoe-Silver Lake FFA) Model of Excellence Finalist (St Paul - Highland Park FFA), Premier Chapter for Growing Leaders Winner (Redwood Valley FFA), and Premier Chapter for Building Communities Finalist (Redwood Valley FFA).

National FFA Alumni and Supporters recognized the Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters as the Overall Outstanding FFA Alumni and Supporters State Association.

Caldyn Huper (United South Central) American Star in Agricultural Placement Finalist.

The American FFA Degree,  the highest honor awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant accomplishments in their supervised agricultural experience, was awarded to over 5,000 FFA members, which is less than 1% of membership. View the complete list here. A special congratulations to the CFANS students who received this honor! 

Several Career and Leadership Development teams placed in the top ten including: 
 

• 1st Overall Dairy Cattle Evaluation (St. Charles FFA)
• 2nd overall Milk Quality and Products (Rocori FFA)
  • Bethany Posch, a freshman in Food Science and Nutrition was a member of the Milk Quality and Products team and alumna Kathy Ratka was their coach.
• 3rd Overall Meats Evaluation & Technology (Pipestone FFA)
• 8th Overall Agricultural Communications (Worthington FFA)
• 8th Overall Agricultural Sales (Windom FFA)
• 8th Overall Farm & Agribusiness Management ( Jackson County Central FFA)
• 8th Overall Forestry (Grand Rapids FFA)

Visit the National FFA Convention Proceedings for the full recognition list.

Congratulations to all of the FFA members, advisors and coaches and to the University of Minnesota students and advisors who represented Minnesota this year!