National FFA Convention Reports on October 29-30

Once again this year, KDHL and KRFO will be bringing you reports from the 88th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, on Oct. 29-30. Farm Director Jerry Groskreutz and Kelly Krage will be talking with area FFA students, advisers and some national FFA members about the latest goings on.

This year's theme is Amplify. FFA membership set records this year -- FFA membership now stands at 629,367 students, up from 610,240 in 2014, an increase of 3 percent. The number of chapters grew from 7,665 in 2014 to 7,757 in 2015. The top five membership states are Texas, California, Georgia, Oklahoma and Missouri. Interest in FFA and agricultural education continues to grow, as membership has increased more than 20 percent since 2009-10. Alumni membership also continued to grow, with 62,705 members this year, growing from 57,832 in 2014. FFA alumni play an important role in keeping agricultural education and FFA programs in local schools by providing volunteers and financial support to local teachers.

FFA started out being known as Future Farmers of America. Now it's simply known as the FFA, because it's not just about farming or being a farmer any more.

Look for more details as the week goes on, and you can go to the FFA website for more details.