Catoctin FFA “EMPOWER” at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo
The National FFA Convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The 98th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 29 through November 1, 2025. While at the convention, 24 Catoctin FFA members joined over 73,000 other FFA members and guests from across our nation. The National FFA Convention and Expo is one of the largest student conventions in the world, with a mission to develop, educate, and inspire. This year’s convention theme was EMPOWER!
Industry Tours: The chapter made several industry stops on the way to Indianapolis. FFA members were able to visit the Columbus Zoo, where they could view over 600 species from around the world. Our members were able to learn about the conservation practices the zoo has put in place to help wildlife.
Students also visited the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Over 40 acres, the conservatory and gardens offer world-class horticulture and nature-based exhibitions. Students were able to view Harvest Blooms.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to the Wilson Football Factory. Students were able to see footballs being manufactured. Wilson has been the official football of the NFL since 1941. Students learned how footballs have evolved over the years and what type of technology is being included in the manufacturing process today.
Our final tour stop was J&M Manufacturing. J&M currently produces premium grain carts and farm equipment. They lead the industry with innovative ideas, which include the front-folding auger for greater visibility and the V-Belt conveyors for hassle-free maintenance. Their factory included numerous CNC machines and robotic welders to help the manufacturing process. Students also enjoyed some time at Otherworld and Topgolf. Otherworld is an immersive art display. Students were able to explore over 40 scenes filled with large-scale art, mixed reality playgrounds, and secret passageways. Students were encouraged to freely explore and interact with a surreal world of science fiction and fantasy.
Members competed in Career Development Events/Leadership Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team or individual contestant extensively learned their subject and rehearsed their task in preparation for the state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Farm Business Management, Livestock Evaluation, and Milk Qualities and Products teams advanced to nationals.
The Conduct of Chapter Meetings introduces FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills. Designed for FFA members in seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, this contest challenges a team of seven students from one chapter to demonstrate correct use of FFA opening and closing ceremonies. Students will learn to communicate and participate effectively as a team while growing skills in effective decision-making. Team members included Grady Abruzzese, Kourtney Bell, Preston Clark, Makayla Eckenrode, Valeria Lake, Sophie Wagaman, and Delaney Warner. The team earned a bronze placing. This team was coached by Amy Jo Poffenberger.
Farm and Agribusiness Management helps students learn business skills and economic principles for agricultural businesses. Students were given a real-life business that they analyzed and answered questions about. Catoctin’s team placed bronze at the national convention. Individual standing included: Gabby Brauning, Carly Nowell, and Brody Mathias, earning a bronze placing. Ryleigh Ruch earned silver placings. The team was coached by Tiffany Lenhart and Michael Poffenberger.
Livestock Evaluation: Students work within teams to rank breeding and market classes of beef, sheep, and swine, and give oral reasons to back up their decisions. Students make accurate and logical observations of livestock, decide on the desirable traits in marketing and breeding livestock, and select and market livestock that will satisfy consumer demands and provide increased economic returns to producers. Catoctin’s team included AJ Schuebel, Lizzie Schuebel, Aaliyah Snedegar, and Quamari Willard. Lizzie, Aaliyah, and Quamari placed bronze individually, while AJ earned a silver placing individually. The team earned a bronze placing. The team was coached by Gary Keller.
Milk Qualities and Products: This Career Development Event helps students learn about milk quality, dairy products, and team decision-making. It covers milk production, composition, processing, marketing, and facility operations, focusing on safety and sanitation. Participants learn about producing quality milk, identifying disease, recognizing off-flavors, and understanding milk pricing and marketing. Catoctin team members in this event included Jonathan Guldan, Kaleb Krantz, Jackson Savage, and Blake Smith. The team earned a silver placing. Caleb earned bronze individually. Jackson, Jonathan, and Blake placed silver individually. The team was coached by Tiffany Lenhart and Carrie Wolf.
FFA Members Simon Burrier, Makyala Comer, Faith May, Grace May, and Landon Kelley attended the convention as Chapter Delegates. They participated in activities, including workshops, sessions, and the expo. They networked with other FFA members from across the nation to gain new ideas and possibilities for our chapter.
American FFA Degree recipients: Less than 1 percent of FFA members receive this prestigious degree. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. This year, Catoctin FFA had two members receiving this highest honor: Ellie Baker and Cheyanne VanEcho. Over 5,160 degrees were awarded this year.
They would like to thank everyone for all of the support in helping them to participate in the 98th National FFA Convention. These students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
