Workshops Spark Growth, Ag Advocacy, and Leadership at Texas FFA Convention
Friday, August 29, 2025 | Author: Emma Crabtree, Decatur FFA and Arianna Sandley, Meridian FFA
During the 97th Annual Texas FFA Convention, members had the opportunity to attend 27 engaging workshops hosted by a wide range of presenters, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table.
From state and national officers to professionals representing large corporations, the presenters tackled topics spanning from agriculture advocacy to leadership development and character building. These workshops weren’t just about information, they were about inspiration and empowerment.
“Workshops at the convention are essential as they provide valuable opportunities for growth and learning.” Taylor Travis from the China Springs FFA Advisor said, “With a diverse range of presenters, these workshops ensure that there is something for everyone, empowering our members to explore new ideas, develop their skills, and cultivate their passions.”
Among the presenters was Julie Amos, a state officer from the Oregon FFA Association, who brought an interactive approach to her session.
“As an FFA member, I hated being lectured to,” Amos said. “So I designed my workshop with games and conversations where members can discover their own leadership styles.”
Another standout session, titled Iron Sharpens Iron, focused on strengthening leadership and relationship-building skills. Delaware FFA State Officer Joey Nowotny led the workshop based on the proverb, “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.”
“I want to live my life in that way every single day,” Nowotny said. “I think we were put on this planet, not for our own good doing, but for good doing, for everyone else.”
West Virginia FFA State Officer Isabelle Hauser challenged attendees to expand their agricultural mindset in her workshop Bridging the Gap: From the Hills to the Plains. Through a collaborative discussion-meet format, participants tackled real-world agricultural issues together.
“Students are learning how to discuss different topics in a discussion meeting style,” Hauser said. “It's a way to get students discussing and learning that they can debate on topics without having arguments.”
Lastly, the workshop SAE Monopoly explored creative Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) options tailored to students' individual backgrounds and interests.
“Supervised Agricultural Experiences are fantastic,” said North Dakota FFA State Advisor Nikki Doll. “Developing [them] should be based on experiences.”
Whether discovering new leadership styles, debating agricultural challenges, or reimagining SAEs, these workshops gave members powerful tools to take home. Through meaningful engagement, Texas FFA Convention workshops continue to shape the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond.
|