VIENNA — Vienna’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) members began their fall season with a trip that would become the highlight of the semester as they headed to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. After checking luggage on Oct. 28, the group boarded the bus before sunrise the next morning, ready for the excitement of thousands of FFA members gathering from every corner of the country.

The first general session opened with keynote speaker A’ric Jackson, whose message set an energetic tone for the week, followed that night by a concert from Ella Langley that brought the arena to its feet.

The next day offered a mix of science, exploration and entertainment. Members toured RSG, a small ruminant semen collection and AI facility, where they learned how genetics shape the future of livestock production. They spent the afternoon at the FFA Expo and Career Show before ending the evening with a hypnotist performance that quickly became a favorite memory among students.

Day three sent the group outdoors for an Apple Orchard tour, then into competitive fun at Battle Game Rooms before a final stop at the Indianapolis Zoo. On Nov. 1, members filled their seats in Lucas Oil Stadium to watch Kara Bastion, Lily Fellwock, Lauren Rowden, Ben Veasman, Elizabeth Veasman, Maggie Veasman and Will Veasman receive their American FFA Degrees, one of the highest honors in the organization.

Larissa Rollins, one of the FFA members said the experience was a once in a lifetime moment.

“The most fun part and experience was just being able to go and experience what it was like,” Rollins said. “The most fun was probably the FFA mall and the expo center. Also, what was really fun was when we went down on the main floor during session one and when we all went down there I just felt like I was accepted in FFA.”

While the trip was filled with multitudes of fun, students also came home with more knowledge about agriculture.

“One thing I learned was to give it 110 percent and you will get what you fight for and Aric Jackson talked to us about that,” Rollins said. “My favorite experience was probably the sheep AI. I thought that was big and cool because I own sheep myself and we gotta learn about how they cool the semen and ship it. I just thought that was pretty cool.”

While the convention stood out as the centerpiece of the season, the weeks leading up to it were just as full for Vienna FFA. October opened with an officer meeting on the first, followed by the close of the annual Fruit Fundraiser and final preparations for both the National Convention and Fall Public Speaking events. On Oct. 3, Vienna’s juniors and seniors traveled to the Ozark Farm Fest where they explored equipment, livestock and agricultural exhibits. That evening the chapter held its regular meeting and honored new Greenhand and Chapter Degree recipients before loading up for a hayride and bonfire.

The next day brought the Vienna Trapshoot where the A Team placed fourth, the B Team seventh and the C Team fifteenth. Nolan Baker earned fourth individually, and several shooters continued to improve heading into the District Postal Trap Shoot on Oct. 9, where Deegan Derek, Mason Backues, Jaxson Gorman and Evan Simmons all shot personal bests.

The middle of the month was filled with planning. FFA dues were collected on the 10th, national convention details were finalized with families on the 14th and members turned in T shirt, hoodie and hat orders. During Eagle Time on Oct. 16, the gigging tournament committee met to polish final plans, according to director Sara Schwartze.

Public speaking success followed on Oct. 22, with strong Area Fall Public Speaking Contest results. Grace Veasman placed first and advanced to Districts in the Missouri Soil and Water contest. Gage Curler placed fourth and was named alternate in Missouri Pork Producers. Larissa Rollins placed second and advanced in Missouri Sheep Producers, while Maci Rowden placed fourth as an alternate in Missouri Young Farmers and Farm Wives. Lauren Libbert, Max Keeran and Ethan Kloeppel also competed.

After the convention trip, the momentum continued at home. On Nov. 7, Ag Power students visited State Technical College of Missouri in Linn for hands-on learning about agricultural and mechanical programs before touring Heritage John Deere Tractor to explore new equipment. That night the annual FFA Gigging Tournament brought in 766 pounds of fish from nine teams. The group of Gage Curtis, Helton, Brett Welschmeyer, Strickland and Hertzing earned first place for both the biggest and smallest fish.

This month remains full as members had an officer meeting on Nov. 12,  followed by a chapter meeting that evening with community service projects, a movie and popcorn. The District Fall Public Speaking Contest took place on Nov. 13, with Veasman and Rollins competing while Curler and Rowden served as alternates. On Nov. 19, the Vet Science and Landscaping teams will tour the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture before Thanksgiving break arrives.

(Information for this article was provided by FFA director Sara Schwartze and FFA Reporter Brooke Campbell).