TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher will open New Jersey FFA’s 90th 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 “Embrace! Embark! Empower!”
Highlights of the three-day convention include constructing bat houses that were provided with a grant from the National FFA Organization at 3 p.m. on Wednesday. At 7:30 p.m., 61 students will receive jackets through the “Blue Jackets Bright Futures” program and $24,825 in college scholarships will be presented.
On Thursday,members will participate in various hands-on Leadership Development Events, including: Public Speaking Finals at 10 a.m. and an FFA Quiz Bowl 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 2019-2020 State Officers will be elected and installed.
Over the course of the three days, several 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, education and technology of agriculture. The New Jersey FFA Association in the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has more than 2,300 members statewide, who are preparing for careers and leadership in the agriculture industry.
For the detailed convention schedule, visit https://jerseyageducation.nj.gov/agriculture/ag_ed/ffa/activity/14.001.pdf.
— New Jersey Department of Agriculture