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Nebraska FFA holds state convention this week

Nebraska FFA members say they are gaining lifelong skills through the organization.

State Secretary Emma Kuss tells Brownfield her time as a state officer has improved her communication skills. “I’ve learned more about networking and getting to know people. I really value understanding what others have to say and I think that’s really important,” Kuss says. “When I first started, I was a little shy walking up to people and talking to them but now after I’ve done it so many times I really enjoy it and the connections I’ve made have been absolutely amazing.”

Cora Payne is a sophomore with the Centennial FFA Chapter. “It’s really taught me to find the leader in myself and I’ve become a better person because of it – just helping people and I love educating little kids about FFA and that kind of thing.”  

Senior Kia Brown with the Centennial Chapter tells Brownfield FFA has pushed her out of her comfort zone. “I’m going to use it when I go to college when I do rodeo. Talking to new people and meeting new people at rodeos and becoming friends with new people that I wouldn’t hang around with normally.”

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Ronnie Green tells Brownfield more students are interested in learning those skills and that’s led to more than 200 chapters chartered in the state.  “I can remember not to long ago, a number of years back, when that number was more like 135 programs across the state, so huge growth there. And, great to see those blue jackets back and as an old blue jacket myself, it’s great to see them in town.”  

The Nebraska FFA Convention returned in-person this week for the first time in two years because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The closing session of the convention is Friday afternoon in Lincoln.