The 99th National FFA Convention & Expo welcomed 72,907 FFA members, advisors and supporters to Indianapolis for four days of celebrating achievements, exploring careers and serving the host community. This year’s theme, “Evolve, Engage and Empower,” reflected an organization that has grown alongside agriculture for nearly a century and now includes more than 1.05 million student members.
“This week, we watched our members do more than earn recognition,” said Christine White, chief program officer of the National FFA Organization. “They lifted each other up, shared what they’ve learned and gave back to the community. As we head into our 100th year, it’s clear the future of agriculture is in capable hands. These students will carry what they experienced in Indianapolis back to their chapters and communities, and that’s where the real impact begins.”
Throughout the event, more than 13,500 students and teachers attended 154 workshops at the Indiana Convention Center. Those included 115 student workshops with 12,747 attendees and 39 teacher workshops with 788 attendees. At the National FFA Expo, members explored more than 350 careers in agriculture.
Members also put leadership into action through service. More than 3,200 delegates and students served at 27 local nonprofits across the greater Indianapolis area as part of the convention’s Days of Service.
The Chapter Connect program also brought together members from rural, suburban and urban communities to learn from one another.
On stage at Lucas Oil Stadium, members were recognized for the work they’ve done in their classrooms, chapters and communities. A total of 5,818 American FFA Degrees, the organization’s highest honor, were awarded. Another 236 Honorary American FFA Degrees went to individuals who have supported FFA and agricultural education. Members and chapters were also recognized for individual and collective achievements throughout the week.
During the final session of the convention, the 2026-27 National FFA Officers were elected. This team of six will lead the organization into its centennial year:
- Josie Jennings of Ohio was elected national president. She is a member of the Global Impact FFA Chapter.
- Cameron Addington of Minnesota was elected national secretary. He is a member of the Cannon Falls FFA Chapter.
- Aiden Manley of Kentucky was elected eastern region vice president. He is a member of the Menifee County FFA Chapter.
- Joshua Nelson of Idaho was elected western region vice president. He is a member of the Troy FFA Chapter.
- Jazmin Palma of North Carolina was elected southern region vice president. She is a member of the Uwharrie Charter Academy FFA Chapter.
- Teagan Erbele of North Dakota was elected central region vice president. She is a member of the Napoleon FFA Chapter.
The convention brings an estimated $42 million in economic impact to Indianapolis each year. The National FFA Convention & Expo will continue to be held in Indianapolis through 2040.
The 100th National FFA Convention & Expo will take place in Indianapolis from Oct. 27-30, 2027. The national convention in 2027 will kick off a yearlong celebration honoring a full century of premier leadership, personal growth and career success through FFA. Visit convention.ffa.org for more information about the next convention, and visit www.ffa.org/100th-anniversary to learn how FFA is celebrating the past and inspiring the future.
National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization with 9,591 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. FFA transforms the lives of middle and high school students through a combination of hands-on agricultural education, work-based learning, and leadership and life skills development.
Source: National FFA Organization
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