TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher will open up the New Jersey FFA’s annual convention in West Long Branch on Wednesday with a message to the future leaders of the state’s agricultural industry and related pursuits.
More than 400 students, advisors and staff are expected to attend the convention at Monmouth University, which has a theme of “Illuminate.”
Highlights of the three-day convention include a talk entitled, “What We Should have Learned as Kids,” by motivational speaker Steven Brockshus, who is a former National FFA Officer. Members also will hear from National FFA Southern Region Vice President Abbey Gretsch.
On Thursday, students will participate in various hands-on Leadership Development Events, including: Public Speaking at 10 a.m. and Team and Individual Demonstration Events at 1 p.m.
On Friday, Garden State FFA Degrees, Star State in Agricultural Placement, Star State in Agribusiness and Star State Farmer Awards will be presented and the 2017-2018 State Officers will be elected and installed.
Over the course of the three days, a number of additional awards, grants and scholarships will be announced.
FFA is a component of an agriculture, food and natural resources program of instruction that prepares students to pursue fulfilling careers in the business, science and technology of agriculture.
There are more than 2,400 FFA members in 37 chapters in New Jersey and 649,355 members in 7,859 chapters across the nation.
For the detailed convention schedule, visit http://www.jerseyageducation.nj.gov/agriculture/ag_ed/ffa/convention/2017AtAGlance.pdf.
— New Jersey Department of Agriculture