State FFA Convention moves to the virtual world
A highlight of the spring for Greater Minnesota students, the FFA State Convention was first postponed due to COVID-19, then moved online to meet social distancing guidelines and the limitations placed on large, in-person gatherings. Minnesota FFA’s first-ever virtual state convention was held May 19-21.
Val Aarsvold, executive director of the Minnesota FFA Foundation, said the decision to shift to a virtual convention was not an easy one. Organizers took into account that some rural areas would be at a disadvantage due to broadband issues. And competitions would need to be rescheduled until FFA students can again meet in person. The goal for postponed competitions was Sept. 1 at the Minnesota State Fair, but now that event has been cancelled.
The transition online was not an easy one for the ag educators who help organize the convention or the students looking forward to it, but Aarsvold credits the adaptability within each group for making the process manageable.
Aarsvold said ag educators across the state were eager to quickly band together to brainstorm how they can adapt and remain interactive in an online format.
“Within hours of the government shifting us to distance learning, our ag educators were already having conversations talking about how they can rally, both in producing content and with supporting each other.”
For FFA students, the transition online also appeared seamless. Episode 5 of the Minnesota FFA Weekly Show still premiered in mid-April on YouTube, offering FFA students a sense of community during the time of isolation.
The determination to adapt to the “new normal” was on display during the Minnesota FFA Convention. The full convention schedule featured 45-minute sessions that recognized the work of FFA students over the last year, honored retiring state officers and provided a number of interactive education opportunities. Social activities, including a talent show and trivia, took place each evening. And students had an opportunity to train to be an FFA ambassador through a virtual program, including timely tips like conveying your message in a more online world.
In the planning of each session, Aarsvold said organizers kept the most important aspect of an FFA convention front-of-mind.
“Throughout all of this, we have always said we will not comprise in celebrating the students, and the material we have worked on reflects that,” she said.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association filmed a message for FFA students, featuring MCGA member and former FFA participant Sam Peterson. The below was played at the virtual convention for the attendees working towards a future in agriculture:
