Alabama FFA United for 98th Annual State Convention

By Tanner Hood and Maggie Gaddy

Hushed tones settled through the room as a countdown clock created an air of anticipation over a sea of national blue and corn gold corduroy jackets during the 98th State FFA Convention.

More than 2,000 Alabama FFA members and guests gathered June 10-12 in the Capital City to celebrate the past year's successes while growing closer through the theme "United." Outgoing Alabama FFA Reporter Luke Garrett said he hoped this convention highlighted the importance of sticking together in good and trying times.

"A strong state officer team creates a solid base for members statewide throughout the year," said Garrett, who hails from Dale County. "Our base camp is when we really learn to love each other, and we selected the word 'united' going into that. When it came to planning this convention, we knew it was important to bring our members closer through the opportunities FFA offers."

Sessions showcasing achievements and proficiencies allowed students from across the state to honor their peers. In the nearby trade show, Alabama Farmers Federation Ag Leadership Director Hunter McBrayer introduced students to the breadth of ag careers beyond farming.

"Alabama FFA goes beyond farmers and classrooms to show students the never-ending careers in agriculture," McBrayer said. "We partnered with the Alabama Community College System to bring simulators of excavators, skid steers and semi-trucks to show young people those job possibilities."

As Alabama faces a need for more students entering trades and ag-adjacent industries, McBrayer said FFA bridges the gap between schools and the workforce.

"Our goal is to show students an idea they maybe hadn't considered," McBrayer said. "FFA unites farmers, welders, machinists, technicians and a world of other careers for the common cause of agriculture. We wanted to unlock that door during convention."

Outgoing Alabama FFA Secretary Natalie Helms of G.W. Long FFA threw the first pitch at a Montgomery Biscuits game. Students explored the myriad workforce options in agriculture by testing an equipment simulator at the Alabama Farmers Federation booth. Luke Garrett of Dale County FFA is the outgoing Alabama FFA reporter and delivered his retiring address June 10 during annual convention.

At the Federation's booth, Boaz High School Senior Carson Pointer climbed down from the cab of a simulated semi-truck he successfully maneuvered through "traffic."

"I got my skid steer certification through FFA," Pointer said. "This organization provides a lot of learning opportunities and offers scholarships into ag and related fields. Getting people interested now can lead to a fulfilling career moving forward."

Garrett echoed that sentiment while highlighting the sense of unity outside FFA.

"FFA is great about working with neighbors, like community colleges, to offer those credentials and open new doors for students," Garrett said.

As a state officer, Garrett offered retiring remarks during a general session packed with his peers. His address reflected on inspiration gleaned during the annual gathering.

"This blue jacket is what unites us all," Garrett said. "We're all here for them same purpose, and we hope members can find that common purpose in each other."