Logan FFA Members Attend the 98th National FFA Convention

Seven Logan FFA members embarked on an unforgettable adventure on October 26, traveling to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the 98th National FFA Convention. Their journey was filled with educational tours, hands-on experiences, and countless opportunities to explore agriculture beyond the classroom.

The group began their trip by traveling to Springfield, Illinois, with a stop in Hannibal, Missouri, to tour the Mark Twain Museum. Students enjoyed exploring interactive exhibits and artwork that brought Twain’s most famous literary works to life. After spending the night in Springfield, the group headed to Arthur, Illinois, where they visited Beachy’s Whole Foods and an Amish furniture store.

A highlight of the day was a tour of an Amish farm, where students gained insight into daily life and culture within the Amish community. Their guide shared personal stories about household routines, livestock care, and produce farming. The tour concluded with a traditional Amish meal featuring homemade bread, strawberry and apple butter, corn chip salad, meatloaf, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, noodles, green beans, and apple or chocolate pie — a feast everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Next, the students traveled to Fair Oaks Farm in Indiana, where they toured the robotic and carousel dairies to learn more about modern dairy production. The evening concluded with dinner at The Farmhouse Restaurant and an overnight stay in a barn-shaped hotel on site.

The following day, the group visited Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, for a comprehensive tour of the College of Agriculture. They explored various research laboratories, educational greenhouses, and beautiful campus gardens. Later, they toured Risin’ Creek Goat Creamery in Martinsville, home to over 200 goats, where they learned about goat milk and cheese production.

Upon arriving in Indianapolis, the students attended the opening session of the National FFA Convention at Lucas Oil Stadium. They participated in leadership workshops focused on résumé writing and interview skills, visited with colleges and agricultural companies from across the nation, and interacted with FFA members from nearly every state — as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The opening session featured the presentation of state flags, performances by the National FFA Band and Chorus, and an inspiring keynote address by motivational speaker A’ric Jackson.

After leaving Indianapolis, the group traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, for a unique horse farm tour. They visited thoroughbred farms, learned about horse racing history, toured the Rood & Riddle Equine Veterinary Hospital, and even had the chance to feed peppermints to retired racehorses.

Their journey continued to Bardstown, Kentucky, where they toured the historic “My Old Kentucky Home,” learning about the Rowan family’s history and the legacy of their cousin, songwriter Stephen Foster, who penned “My Old Kentucky Home” and “Oh! Susanna.”

In Louisville, students experienced glassblowing at the Flame Run Studio, each creating a one-of-a-kind glass paperweight. They also visited the Louisville Slugger Museum to see how the famous baseball bats are made and received miniature bats as souvenirs. A stop at Schimpff’s Confectionery gave them a sweet ending to the day as they watched candy-making demonstrations and sampled treats.

On their final day, the group toured Warm Springs Ranch in Missouri, home of the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales. Students were able to see newborn foals, watch a harnessing demonstration, and learn about the ranch’s breeding and training operations before heading home.

This trip provided students with an incredible blend of education, leadership, and fun — creating memories that will last a lifetime. The Logan FFA Chapter would like to thank all of their supporters for making opportunities like this possible and for continuing to invest in students’ growth, learning, and future success.