FFA state convention draws more than 400 to The County

by Contributed
15 hours ago
From left, Kohen Kinney (Mars Hill FFA), Eli Jandreau (Caribou FFA) and Gabe Power (Presque Isle FFA) pose during the Maine FFA state convention, held in May in Presque Isle and at other Aroostook County sites. (Contributed photo)

More than 400 students, advisers and guests gathered recently for the 96th Maine FFA State Convention, held at sites across Aroostook County.

Students from across Maine competed, learned and celebrated the future of the state’s agricultural industry.

Agriculture continues to play a vital role in Maine’s economy, and the FFA State Convention offered a firsthand look at the students preparing to lead the industry into the future.

The convention brought together participants representing 13 of Maine’s FFA chapters, with students traveling from as far south as Sanford, west as Fryeburg, the Midcoastal region through Lincoln Academy and as far north as Caribou.

The Maine FFA recently held its state convention in Aroostook County. From left are some of the state officers attending: Jael Cruikshank, Western Region vice president; Kyle Meholik, Connecticut FFA state officer; and Brady Hudler, Texas FFA state officer. 
(Contributed photo)

This year’s event gained additional momentum through United Ag & Turf’s partnership with the Maine FFA Association, creating a hands-on, tech-forward experience for competitors and spectators alike. Attendees explored interactive technology, new equipment and demonstrations.

From agricultural mechanics challenges to safe tractor driving competitions, students put their skills to the test for opportunities to advance to regional and national stages. Over the course of three days, students also participated in career and leadership development events, attended workshops, connected with industry leaders and supported service projects designed to highlight the wide range of agricultural career pathways.

In the agricultural mechanics career development event, Caribou Technical Center earned both first- and second-place team honors, with Mars Hill FFA placing third. The first-place team from Caribou Technical Center will advance to represent Maine FFA at the 99th National FFA Convention.

In the safe tractor operations competition, the top three individual finishers were Evan Silsby, Simon Disy and Evan Ayer, all from Caribou. These top competitors earned the opportunity to represent Maine at The Big E in September.

United Ag & Turf awarded $500 travel sponsorships to winning teams to help offset expenses for the national competition. 

The proved to be more than a competition. It was a celebration of leadership, innovation and the next generation of Maine’s agricultural workforce. 

With events held throughout Aroostook County and a home base at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, the convention blended education, community pride, and hands-on experience.