Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin FFA Ready for National Convention in Louisville

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Wisconsin FFA Ready for National Convention in Louisville
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/20/2014

Members of the Wisconsin FFA Association will carry on their tradition of excellence next week as delegates, officers and award winners head to Louisville, Kentucky for the 87th National FFA Convention. The National FFA Organization says they are expecting over 60,000 to attend the event, as students representing the blue-and-gold will spend the week learning about agriculture, meeting new friends and getting motivated by inspirational speakers.

Among the highlights during this year's convention will be a concert by country music star Justin Moore with special guest Easton Corbin. The popular career and trade show will be open throughout the week. And students will be motivated and inspired by the retiring addresses of this year's national FFA officers.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin's delegation will be especially busy this year. Thomas Allen of the Reedsburg FFA is a finalist for the American Star Farmer award; and Thomas Larson from Viroqua is in the running for American Star in Agribusiness. Both students earned the same awards at the state level in 2013.

Fifteen members will be competing as national finalists for Proficiency Awards. Another 116 students from the Badger State will be receiving their American FFA Degrees.

Reba McClone from the Bonduel FFA is Wisconsin's candidate running for a national FFA officer position.

Many local chapters will also be recognized during the conference as Wisconsin programs will be honored as three-star chapters.

And the organization will be bestowing its Honorary American FFA Degree on nearly 200 teachers, supporters and alumni during a ceremony. Seven of those recipients are from Wisconsin, including Monte Dunnum, Westby; Peter Engh, Westby; Rae Neil Halbur, Fond du Lac; Julie Larson, Viroqua; John Porior, Oshkosh; Jeff Agnew, Fort Atkinson; and Keith G. Kolpack, Barron.

The National FFA Convention will be held October 29 through November 1 in Louisville, Kentucky.

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