Cannon Falls FFA is crushing the competition. The Cannon Falls FFA chapter sent several teams to compete at the Minnesota State FFA Convention from April 24 through the 26th. The teams compete in various subjects, called Career Development Events, anything from Dairy Judging to Forestry. The teams competed in their subjects against other regions of the state. To make it to the state competition, the kids practice all throughout the year and compete at a regional level. The top teams from every region are then sent to compete at the state level. The teams were sent to different locations throughout the U of M Twin Cities Campus and the State Fairgrounds to complete their evaluations. 

The Convention wasn’t just a place for hard working teams to compete. The convention featured many workshops, shopping booths, and even seminars from Region and State Officers.  The kids even got to hear a speech from University of Minnesota football team  head coach, PJ Fleck. In the Minnesota FFA, different areas of the state are in specified regions. The officers are members of other FFA chapters that help to maintain order in the FFA. “I think State is a really good opportunity for kids to show what they have learned and how they have succeeded in the FFA, it also creates a new environment for people to make friends in.” said Kenzie Kilmer, a member of the Farm Business Management and Best In Greenhand teams. 

The teams who attend state are required to wear what is called official dress. The outfit consists of black dress pants or a black dress skirt, a white button down with tie or scarf, and an FFA Jacket. Competing at state can include a number of different tasks like completing math equations and even welding. Contests such as Farm Business Management include many more tests rather than Ag Mechanics who are tested on more practical skills such as welding and manufacturing. 

At the Cannon Falls FFA’s chapter banquet on May 9, the hard work of every FFA member was celebrated and awarded. This included the teams that earned awards at state convention: Crops earning 2nd place, 5th place for Farm Business Management, and Fish and Wildlife earning 4th place. Two individuals from Cannon Falls also earned awards: Ashton Beyer earned 3rd place in his Farm Business Management Career Development Event, and Cameron Addington earned 1st place in Creed Speaking and a spot in the competitions at national convention. Along with State Career Development Events awards at this banquet, the FFA celebrated the best of the Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, leadership awards, scholarship awards, and the installation of next year’s FFA officer team. As the chapter looks to the future, they see it filled to the brim with hope.