On November 1, 2023, the Cannon Falls FFA Crops team competed in the Agronomy contest at the FFA National Convention. Their competition was several hours long and at the end, the four competitors were exhausted. However, their efforts were not unrewarded as they scored in the top ten teams in the nation.

Junior Cameron Addington, sophomore Ryan Johnson, and recent graduates Gideon Anderson and Lucas Erickson were the state champion teams in Minnesota during the 2023 Minnesota State Convention. The first place teams in all state Career Development Event contests – of which, Agronomy is one – earn a chance to compete at the National FFA Convention, held in early November this year. The team earned an overall Gold ranking. Individuals Cameron Addington and Gideon Anderson earned Gold individual rankings, and Lucas Erickson and Ryan Johnson earned Silver individual rankings. 

The high honors didn’t stop with the Agronomy success. Another aspect of FFA is degrees. Degrees recognize hard work in Supervised Agricultural Experiences, agricultural classes, and community service – the highest of which is the American Degree. Ashton Beyer, Megan Wichser, Kenny Otto, and Matthew Giese –four Cannon Falls graduates – all recieved their American degrees on November 3, 2023. 

Between these two special groups, the Cannon Falls FFA chapter had a very successful time at the 96th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis.