Adair County FFA reached a milestone at the 99th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, earning a three-star rating that places the chapter among the top 4% of FFA chapters in the nation. It is the first time in the chapter’s history that it has received the national recognition.
Twenty-four Adair County FFA members traveled to the convention on Wednesday, Oct. 21. They had opportunities to explore agricultural careers, connect with colleges and businesses, and learn more about the industry.
The chapter first earned a gold rating at the state level, placing it among the top 19 chapters in Kentucky. It then advanced to the national level, where they received the highest rating possible.
“Earning a three-star rating at the national level is an enormous accomplishment,” said Adair County FFA adviser Gabby Barnes. “It is based off of an application that involves our 15 best activities that we had to submit to the state and the national level.”
The application requires chapters to document their activities, explain their goals and demonstrate the impact of their programs.
“We probably have nearly 100 hours invested into preparing our application, so it was wonderful to see our program recognized as one of the best in the nation,” Barnes said.
In addition to the national recognition, members enjoyed several activities during the trip. Students attended a concert featuring Avery Anna and Ty Myers, and several members were selected for a personal meet-and-greet with the artists. The group also visited Indy Scream Park for an early Halloween outing.
The trip included opportunities to learn about agriculture beyond the convention. On the way to Indianapolis, members toured the Kentucky Derby Museum. On the final day, the group visited Risin’ Creek Creamery, a nationally recognized dairy goat farm known for its award-winning goats and cheese products.
During the tour, members learned about goat genetics, milking, pasteurization, milk bottling and cheese production. They also heard about the farm’s marketing process, giving students a closer look at the work involved in operating an agricultural business.
Adair County FFA has attended the national convention for decades, providing members with opportunities to learn, explore career possibilities and build connections within the agricultural industry.
Barnes said the local agricultural community and FFA alumni help make these experiences possible. Support from local farmers and community members allows students to participate in activities, prepare for competitions and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Whether serving as judges or guest speakers, allowing members to use farms for practice or stopping by the agriculture shop to support students during their cooking fundraisers, community members have played a role in the chapter’s success.
The three-star national rating marks a historic achievement for Adair County FFA and recognizes the work of its members, advisers and supporters in building a program that makes an impact both locally and nationally.
