INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, July 26, 2021/National FFA Organization) – This week, 44 FFA members will gather in Indianapolis to discuss how agriculture will play a pivotal role in their future. It’s all part of the New Century Farmer conference – an opportunity for FFA members who plan to remain in production agriculture to work on their secession plans for success.

“This program helps us continue to grow the next generation of leaders who will not only change the world but continue to provide food, fiber and resources for future generations,” said Kate Wehby, educational specialist for the National FFA Programs and Events Division. “We’re excited to bring this program back as an in-person event this year and offer the opportunity to learn and grow together while expanding their networking pool.”

During the week, participants will visit with producers around the state, learn from industry leaders, see innovative agricultural technology and network with others who also plan to stay in production agriculture.

The conference, which begins today, was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants selected to participate in 2020 were invited to attend the 2021 event.

Those attending the conference this year include: Darren Borba from California; Emily Kern from Connecticut; Abby Edwards from Delaware; Cody Emerson and Joshua Jantz from Florida; Brodina Bousselot from Iowa; Sundee Holtman, Saydee Longhurst and Shalani Wilcox from Idaho; Chandler Bruns, Katie McCauley and Garrett Williams from Illinois; Ethan Fetzer from Iowa; Jill Allen and Jaclyn Bryant from Maryland; Logan Penegor from Minnesota; Paige Dameron and Dee Stark from Missouri; Alexis Canen and Todd Lackman from Montana; Tanner Carrick and Sarah Smart from North Carolina; Kaydie Brandl from Nebraska; Sydney Gavienelli and Steven Williams from New Jersey; Cale Sherwood from New York; Douglas Reer and Kayla Wyse from Ohio; Hannah Jackson and Colton Johnson from Oklahoma; William Horning from Pennsylvania; Isaac Kolousek from South Dakota; Conner Watts from Texas; Shelby Autry and Madison Phillips from Tennessee; Hunter Hilbert and Felicity Zimmerman from Virginia; Jessie Hooker from Vermont; Catherine Karb and Elisha Wade from Washington; Allison Schulist and Jodie Weyland from Wisconsin; and Jason Bechtle from West Virginia.

New Century Farmer is sponsored by Case IH, Corteva Agriscience, Farm Credit, Nutrien Ag Solutions, and our media partner, Meredith Agrimedia.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 760,000 student members as part of 8,700 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.