NEWS

By Kyle Anderson, Michigan FFA Foundation Contractor

October 21-24, hundreds of Michigan FFA students, advisors and supporters will travel to Indianapolis to participate in the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo. National FFA Convention brings together FFA members from across the country to celebrate achievement, develop leadership skills and help shape the future of the organization.

Michigan will be well represented throughout the week as members compete, connect with industry leaders, attend workshops and celebrate agricultural education on a national stage.

One of the highlights this year will be the opportunity to hear Lilly Nyland, National FFA Secretary and Michigan’s own, deliver her retiring address during the Third General Session on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. EST. Members, alumni and supporters who are unable to attend in person will be able to watch convention sessions and retiring addresses through FFA Live.

Michigan will also support Brent DeSaegher as he represents the state as Michigan's 2026 National FFA Officer Candidate. His candidacy reflects a long tradition of leadership excellence and service to the organization, and Michigan members will be proudly cheering him on throughout the process.

Beyond individual recognition, Michigan's State Officer delegates will play an important role in the future of the organization. Representing more than 10,000 Michigan FFA members, delegates will engage in national business sessions, discuss issues affecting FFA members across the country and help make decisions that guide the future of the National FFA Organization.

The convention also provides opportunities to showcase the strength of agricultural education in Michigan. Members earning national recognition through proficiency awards, agriscience research and the American FFA Degree program demonstrate the impact of the experiences they have gained through FFA and Supervised Agricultural Experiences.

In addition to student participation, Michigan educators and supporters will be represented through the Michigan FFA Alumni and Supporters Administrators Experience. Five school administrators from across the state will attend National Convention to gain a deeper understanding of agricultural education and FFA. During their visit, the Michigan FFA Foundation will help welcome the group through an employer panel hosted by Keystone Cooperative, providing an opportunity to explore workforce needs and career pathways connected to agriculture.

As convention approaches, excitement continues to build across the state. Whether members are competing, serving as delegates, pursuing national recognition or simply experiencing convention for the first time, they will join thousands of FFA members from across the country for a week focused on leadership, service and agricultural education. 

Watch convention sessions and livestreams: FFA Live