MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota FFA Association will recognize 121 students from across the state as finalists in various areas of Supervised Agricultural Experiences during its state convention April 24-26.
Area finalists for the top Proficiency Awards in each category are Colton Converse, Caden Mrazek and Allison Olander of Staples-Motley in agriscience research-animal systems; Addison Hillman of Brainerd in beef production-entrepreneurship; Brooke Converse of Staples-Motley in forage production; and Cory Watland of Staples-Motley in grain production.
The convention will be at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus and 3M Arena at Mariucci. The top student in each category will be named during general sessions throughout the three-day event, which is expected to draw more than 4,000 FFA student members as well as teachers, supporters and guests.
“These finalists have earned Proficiency Awards in areas that relate to agriculture, and developed skills they can apply to their future careers,” said Lavyne Rada, Minnesota FFA program manager, in a news release. “SAEs are part of the agricultural education programs and help them to apply academic and career skills within areas of agriculture, food and natural resources pathways.”
A Supervised Agricultural Experience can involve entrepreneurship, placement or internships in a business, research, exploration, service learning or school-based enterprises. In Minnesota there are 47 areas for which awards can be given, including both placement and entrepreneurship projects.
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In addition, those who have earned and productively invested at least $2,000, or worked at least 600 hours, can earn the Minnesota FFA Degree if they also complete a variety of other requirements. Nearly 350 Minnesota students will be recognized with State FFA Degrees at the convention.
The Minnesota FFA Convention is offered in partnership by the Minnesota FFA Association, the Minnesota FFA Foundation and the Minnesota FFA Alumni.
