2023 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 31st – November 3rd, 2023
October 31st through November 3rd, sixteen South Winneshiek FFA members and 5 Chaperones traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana! On Tuesday, October 31st, eight members which included the South Winneshiek FFA Dairy Evaluation team and Dairy Handler headed to Indianapolis. The following day, November 1st, the rest of the members made their way to convention.
On Wednesday November 1st, South Winneshiek FFA members started off the day at convention with the shopping mall and expo hall, which included colleges, businesses, and vendors. Also on Wednesday, the South Winneshiek FFA Dairy Evaluation team had their first day of competition. There four members, Kelsey Timp, Katrina Hageman, Hanna Vagts, and Mitchell Vagts completed a team activity, knowledge test, and a herd evaluation test. Ending the first day of convention consisted of members attending a Lainey Wilson concert and a Rodeo.
On Thursday November 2nd, South Winneshiek FFA Members continued to explore the expo hall talking to college representatives, professionals in the agricultural industry, and other FFA members from around the United States. The South Winneshiek Dairy Evaluation team completed their final day of competition which included evaluating and placing six dairy cattle classes and presenting three sets of oral reasons to judges. Another member of the South Winneshiek FFA chapter, Alayna Hageman, got the opportunity to represent Iowa as a National FFA Dairy Handler. She led cattle dairy around the show ring for evaluators to examine. Alayna was judged on showmanship and overall ability to hand cattle. Thursday came to close with the chapter enjoying an escape room and exploring downtown Indianapolis.
On Friday November 3rd, half of the South Winneshiek FFA crew headed back to Iowa while the Dairy Evaluation team and Handler stayed for results. Competing at the National level, the South Winneshiek FFA received a silver rating with individual Kelsey Timp receiving a gold and Katrina Hageman, Hanna Vagts, and Mitchel Vagts receiving a silver. Dairy Handler Alyana Hageman received a silver rating.
Additionally, Katrina Hageman participated in Proficiency Awards. While she was not a national top 3 finalist, she did earn a silver rating in the area of Agricultural Communications Nationally. The Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through their SAEs, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
The South Winneshiek FFA Chapter is proud of the accomplishments and the representation of members at a very high level of FFA!
