Waupaca FFA members joined FFA chapters from Manawa, Winneconne, Edgar and Weyauwega-Fremont FFA in the trip to the 2014 National FFA Convention, Oct. 28-31., in Louisville, Kentucky
This year 14 Waupaca students, one FFA advisor and one alumni member attended the convention.
Because Waupaca was named the No. 1 FFA chapter in the state, local students created the Wisconsin FFA Hall of States booth. They distributed over 450 pounds of cheese and 150 pounds of craisins. The food was donated to promote Wisconsin agriculture and the FFA.
The Waupaca FFA earned the National 3-Star recognition, which rated the chapter among the elite.
FFA members attended workshops and sessions at the convention. Keynote speakers included Nick Vujicic, Donnie Smith and Jeff Simmons.
Students toured the Jelly Belly Factory, located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, on the way to Louisville. They went on a guided tour and saw videos of the process for making jelly beans and the history of the company.
Other tours included the Fair Oaks Hog Farm. Students visited the 2,500 sow facility and viewed education displays about the swine industry. Members saw the enclosures where piglets and feeder pigs were raised and watch sows farrow. There was also a store located on the farm where students were able to sample cheese and ice cream produced by the many cows on the dairy farm.
Members also toured Mammoth Cave in Indiana. Members walked 200 feet underground through over two miles of a cave. On the tour, members were informed about the history of the cave and their plans for the future.
Members also attended the Justin Moore and Easton Corbin concert.
The FFA has chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.