NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Indiana officials celebrate National FFA Week

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INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 20, 2024) - In honor of National FFA Week, the seven Indiana FFA State Officers, and dozens of FFA members, met in the Statehouse to receive a proclamation and resolution declaring Feb. 17-24 Indiana FFA Week.

?It was a pleasure to have these outstanding young professionals representing the State of Indiana and agriculture so well in the Statehouse today,? said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana?s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. ?FFA is a dynamic youth led organization and I am excited to celebrate National FFA Week this week and agriculture year-round.?

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation to name this week National FFA Week in recognition of all the work the Indiana FFA Organization, agriculture educators and FFA advisors do to cultivate the next generation of agriculturists for the state.

During the week, chapters across the state and nation will host a variety of events to educate, advocate and celebrate the agricultural industry. From a school animal experience to a farmer?s breakfast, these activities pay homage to the dedication and commitment of today?s agriculturalists. Throughout the week, the Indiana FFA State Officers will travel the state to participate in activities alongside local FFA chapters and their communities.

The Indiana FFA Association also received a Senate Concurrent Resolution highlighting the impact of the FFA Organization, which is preparing more than 14,000 members in 90 of Indiana?s 92 counties for the over 250 unique careers in the food, fiber and natural resource sectors. The resolution was led by Sen. Jean Leising, Senate District 42 and Rep. Michael Aylesworth, House District 11.

Indiana FFA State Reporter Carson Rudd was excited to meet with legislators to promote Indiana agricultural education.?

?National FFA Week is a week full of celebration and a time to reflect on the significance the organization has across the country and here in over 220 communities across the state,? said Rudd. ?We are honored to have the support of our state?s legislature not only during National FFA Week, but throughout the year as well.?

Tamara Ketchen, Director of the Indiana FFA Association, is looking forward to seeing all the work done this week at FFA chapters across the state.

?National FFA Week is a time for local chapters to highlight their programs showcasing their success and passion for agriculture,? Ketchen said. ?We also use this as an opportunity to recognize community supporters and broadcast the mission of the organization.?

FFA members are agriculture?s future leaders, future food suppliers, future innovators and more! Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about agricultural education and the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture's future leaders.

The first National FFA Week was held in 1948, when the National FFA Board of Directors designated a weeklong celebration to recognize George Washington?s example and legacy as a leader and farmer. For the past 75 years, FFA members across the country have taken part in agricultural, leadership and service-based activities during National FFA Week.

Visit www.inffa.org to learn more about Indiana FFA. To see or download photos of today's event click here.?

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Pictured above are the 2023-24 Indiana FFA State Officers, from left to right, Blaine Wagner (North Decatur FFA Chapter), Kelby Roberts (Rushville FFA Chapter), Conner Keeslar (Prairie Heights FFA Chapter), Tanner Weakley (Western Boone FFA Chapter), Carson Rudd (Carroll @ Flora FFA Chapter), Madalyn Denton (Blue River Valley FFA Chapter) and Caden Sixberry (Southmont FFA Chapter). To download this photo, click here.?

ABOUT ISDA

The?Indiana State Department of Agriculture?(ISDA) reports to?Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch,? Indiana?s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.