This spring, 73 FFA members from across the country traveled to Denver, Colo., to explore careers in the animal systems industry. It's part of the Next Gen Conference offered by the National FFA Organization.
The Next Gen Conference, which began in 2020, focuses on specific pathways — from animal systems to biotechnology systems. Members access new ideas, trends and opportunities that connect them directly with industry leaders. The conference is designed specifically to give FFA members hands-on, industry-relevant experience.
"We heard from our members that they wanted more opportunities to explore careers in agriculture. It was one of the reasons the Next Gen Conferences were developed. It allows members to explore their future careers," said Celya Glowacki, the advocacy, literacy and ag-based experiences manager with the National FFA Organization. "This spring's conference will help us cultivate future leaders in the animal systems pathway through a week of experiential learning, relevant education and networking."
Members explored diverse animal operations around Denver and learned how to plan for their future careers. In addition, they learned about marketing, new technologies and unique opportunities in animal systems.
Pennsylvania members attending the #FFANextGen conference include Leah Flinchbaugh of the Eastern York FFA Chapter, Elyssa Gilbert of the Big Spring FFA Chapter, Hailey Houck of the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter, Carter Kennedy of the Honesdale FFA Chapter, Natasha Maddox of the Grand Canyon FFA Chapter, Reilly Rawlings of the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter and Charlee Schock of the Big Spring FFA Chapter.
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 850,000 student members as part of 8,995 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business