Local FFA members attend leadership conference

Local FFA members recently attended the Wyoming FFA Fall Leadership Conference, held November 15-16 in Casper. They joined more than 750 FFA members from across the state at this annual event, which focuses on leadership development, agricultural education, and student-driven initiatives.

• Discovery Conference: For junior high members beginning their FFA journey. Participants collaborated to identify and develop solutions to real issues in their communities.

• FIRE (Finding Inspiration and Reaching Excellence): For freshmen and sophomores, with workshops exploring veterinary science, wildlife management, soils, risk management, precision agriculture, leadership, and other agricultural careers.

• CPC (Chapter President’s Conference): For chapter officers and leaders. Participants debated issues such as showmanship rules for the Wyoming State Fair, increasing state speaking competition opportunities, adding a leadership conference for junior and senior members, and enhancing career development events with a written exam and team activity. Their recommendations will be presented to the Wyoming FFA Board of Directors for consideration.

“The Wyoming FFA Fall Leadership Conference is an incredible opportunity for members to grow as leaders and problem-solvers,” said Stacy Broda, Wyoming State FFA Advisor. “Whether they are just starting their journey or serving as chapter officers, every member leaves this event better equipped to make a difference in their schools, communities, and the agricultural industry.”

CPC participants also attended breakout workshops led by Wyoming State FFA officers, which provided insights into communication, teamwork, creativity and business planning.

“I was especially proud of the maturity and professionalism our members exhibited when debating statewide issues,” added Broda. “Our students were passionate about these problems and their ideas, but conducted debate with respect and consideration of one another. It was a great example of leadership and integrity.”

This was the first time Wyoming FFA used a career pathway model for the FIRE conference, integrating career exploration into the event. All conference attendees heard from keynote speaker Erik Robinson, a past National FFA Officer. Robinson inspired the audience with a message about having the audacity to challenge oneself and strive for excellence.

Wyoming’s agriculture teachers took the two days to listen to partner reports and improve professional skills in classroom management, career development event coaching, and career/life management.

Advisor Britton Van Heule stated, “The fall conference is a great opportunity for our students to go to a state level activity, and meet students from around the state. The workshops were very informative and beneficial for them as they grow as an FFA member.”

Big Springs FFA member Erich Van Heule had the following to say about his experience at the conference. “The Discovery conference was a great team building opportunity. The CPC portion was fun to get to “build” our own FFA chapter and then discuss how limited resources can be a challenge that each chapter works to overcome.”

Thermopolis/Big Springs FFA members who attended included: Clint Kimes, Tyler Morris, Mac McCumber, Reagan Huckfelt, Izzie Hetzel, Tera Kraushaar, Mesa Longwell, Bella Hubele, Ariah Vincent, Shyanne Jones, Ann Allen, Kaden Scheel, Alec Martinez, Ryan Axtell, Jay Richey, Korbin Brill, Tymber Eckley, Madi Shaffer, Amuria Dukes, Paige Jones, Lance Axtell, Gage Bowman, Hayden Overfield, William Hensley, Erich Van Heule, Oliver Bihr, Brayden Jones, Sydnee Eplin, Shayli Shumway, Pearl Ivie.

The Thermopolis FFA & Big Springs Chapters would like to thank local businesses, individuals who donated, and the Hot Springs County Educational Endowment for their support in making this trip possible.

For more information about FFA and its upcoming activities, contact Britton Van Heule (Thermopolis FFA advisor) bvanheul@hotsprings1.org or Becky Martinez (Big Springs advisor) bmartinez@hotsprings1.org.

The Wyoming FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 4,100 student members in 64 local FFA chapters. 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 agriculture education.