FFA Explores a Future at the National Convention
by Cailin Lyons, senior Veterinarian Assistant
Every year, Future Farmers of America (FFA) members come together from all corners of the nation to celebrate their accomplishments and find inspiration for their next steps within their home chapters. Motivational keynote speakers, energetic concerts, fulfilling workshops, and a sweeping expo floor bustling with agricultural education and industry opportunities provide experiences that students and adults remember for a lifetime.
This year, LCCTC sent seven Veterinarian Assistant students to the 2019 National FFA Convention & Expo on Oct 31 through Nov 2 to explore many agriculturally-related companies, get hands-on with FFA activities, and create networking opportunities that will help to steer their future careers. Seniors Chelsea Baxter, Cailin Lyons, and Linsey Watson; juniors Rachel Dando and Jordan O’Neil; and sophomore Lita Frishkorn and Lanna Schultz were able to compete in activities that challenged them to expand upon their understanding of the VA shop and so much more.
Their first stop was at the FFA Convention where they had the opportunity to talk with Ag businesses, compete to win prizes, speak with college representatives, get hands-on Farming Equipment, and visit the FFA Store.
Rachel Dando, a Junior in the Veterinary Assistant program stated that, “To be able to learn about different companies that are a part of the FFA program was amazing. I was also able to meet other FFA kids from many different states.”
At Fair Oaks Farm, the students were able to see a farrow to finish pig operation. Linsey Watson, a senior on Co-op at Ellwood City Animal Hospital loved, “being able to see how pig production really works and at what a large scale it was compared to smaller pig farms was crazy!” This information will serve her well as she continues her post-secondary education to become a Veterinary Technician. Linsey has recently been accepted to her school of choice: Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh.
The seven were also able to witness a dairy operation that milks their herd using a carousel technique. Lita Frishkorn was fascinated; she states, “I like the process of the dairy farm and how the milk gets from the dairy cow to our home.” This stop provided the VA students many discussions on production and husbandry/veterinary care necessary to operate the farms.
Ozark Fishery was a fascinating stop that showed how goldfish and koi are raised and sold all across America; it is likely that goldfish from local stores are likely from this facility. Jordan O’Neil was impressed with the operation at Ozark’s. “The way fish are shipped out is well organized and efficient,” he states. “It was pretty amazing.”
A quick stop to a 100-year old candy factory that specialized in hand-crafted candy canes made for a sweet fill-in. Afterward, the crew had the opportunity to tour a honey farm that operates 500 hives! “I enjoyed the experience of bottling my own honey,” states Lanna Schultz. “It was really interesting seeing how they made beeswax candle making.”
Finally, the crew ended their experience with a tour of a popcorn factory where Chelsea Baxter states, “Who knew that there were so many flavors of popcorn? I especially the buffalo flavor which was said to be a top seller!”
In a letter home to parents, VA instructor and FFA adviser Ariel Yanak states
I want to take a moment of your time to thank you for giving your child the opportunity to attend the FFA Nationals trip to Indianapolis, Indiana. I hope that they came home full of educational and humorous stories to share with your family. I can’t tell you enough how proud your child made me on this adventure. From the respect they showed me and the other leaders to the kindness they showed strangers; I was awe struck. You have raised a wonderful group of young adults that make me look forward to the next school event that we can take.
At the 2019 FFA National Convention and Expo, there was a multitude of educational, entrepreneurial, and entertaining experiences that the seven Veterinary Assistants were able to explore on this career-related adventure, and each was grateful for the opportunity to attend.
