Future Ag leaders convene in Indianapolis for 2025 FFA convention

Students in navy blue jackets with gold embroidery filled the Indiana Convention Center for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. More than 70,000 attendees from across the country are expected to gather in downtown Indianapolis this week for the annual event.

Kristy Meyer, the National FFA Organization’s communications manager, said the expo helps cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

"They are the future of Ag, right,” she said. “They are our future generation of leaders. So it's just a really good opportunity."

Attendees could try welding, operate farm simulators and connect with more than 80 colleges and universities offering agricultural programs. Many students received awards for their achievements with the organization.

High school junior Neveah Bradley from Knox, Indiana, said many people underestimate what FFA has to offer.

"Not just like a basic farmer. There's so many different jobs you can get from it, so many different opportunities,” Bradley said.

First-time attendee Bruley McQuiston from Colorado agrees. He said agriculture careers go far beyond traditional farming.

"A lot of kids here have farms back at home, but they're not going to … go back to the farms,” he said. “They're going to be in Ag sales or be in Ag business."

Attendees could explore more than 350 careers in agriculture.

The convention has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2016, and before that the city hosted the event from 2006 to 2012.

The National FFA Organization recently announced the expo will remain in Indianapolis through 2040.

The convention runs through Saturday.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.