TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas Fisher will open New Jersey FFA’s 89th Annual convention in West Long Branch tomorrow 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 “Timeless Traditions! Endless Possibilities.”
Highlights of the three-day convention include greetings from National FFA President Breanna Holbert during the opening session. Members also will hear a keynote address from Former National FFA Officer Caleb Gustin.
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 2018-2019 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.
There are more than 2,500 FFA members in 36 chapters in New Jersey and 653,359 members in 8,568 chapters across the nation.
For the detailed convention schedule, visit http://www.jerseyageducation.nj.gov/agriculture/ag_ed/ffa/convention/2018AtAGlance.pdf.
Secretary Douglas Fisher will give the opening address at the 89th Annual New Jersey FFA Convention at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Pollak Theatre on the Monmouth University Campus at Howard Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764.
— New Jersey Department of Agriculture