By Tanner Hood

Over 1,500 students clad in national blue and corn gold descended on Montgomery June 4-6 to celebrate the hard work of the past year while finding inspiration at the 97th FFA State Convention. 

This was an unforgettable event for Alabama FFA President Jessa Usery, who led the first all-female state officer team. 

“We wanted this year’s theme to be something memorable while showcasing the personality of our leadership team,” said Usery, who hails from Elkmont FFA in Limestone County. “When someone said the word ‘grow,’ we knew that’s what we wanted to go with. Our team word for the year was ‘intentional,’ and we realized that the outcome of being intentional is growth, whether from us or members.” 

Attendees were challenged through speeches, presentations and competitions to find new ways to grow. Over 500 awards recognized proficiency and career development in students while drawing attention to star advisers and contributors to Alabama FFA. 

Usery said the theme reflected the origins of the state’s largest career technical organization. 

“One of the reasons we loved ‘Grow’ was because it is tied to FFA’s roots in production agriculture,” Usery said. “I grew up on a poultry and row crop farm in north Alabama, so I’ve always been exposed to ag through my dad. I remember helping in the chicken houses or in the fields, so I have always seen the hard work that goes into producing our food. FFA allows others to learn that, too.” 

Usery’s father, Stan, serves on the Limestone County Farmers Federation board and was involved in FFA. Usery said she originally pursued involvement in the organization to honor her dad but quickly developed her own love for agriculture. 

“I joined FFA to follow in my dad’s footsteps and make him proud,” Usery said. “As I have grown, I have fallen in love with agriculture for myself and the experiences it provides. We want people to leave this convention thinking of the ways they can grow like that.” 

Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer said the convention provides unique opportunities for students to develop new skills while celebrating success. 

“We want to help FFA members accomplish big goals in agriculture and in life,” McBrayer said. “We know that young people are our future, which is why it’s important for the Federation to give back to them through sponsorships and support.” 

McBrayer engaged with students during the convention’s career show. His booth featured a fun Federation FFA Rodeo theme, where high schoolers competed in bouncy-horse races and learned about the Young Farmers program.

Other activities involved inducting 11 influential individuals to the FFA Wall of Honor, including Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and retired Alabama Ag Credit CEO Doug Thiessen. The Federation’s Maggie Edwards received an honorary Alabama FFA state degree for outstanding service to agricultural education. Six new state officers were elected to close out the event. 

Along with awards, honors and competitions, Usery said she hopes members left convention with new opportunities, ideas and connections. 

“We’re trying to encourage members by setting the example of being able to achieve great things when you grow,” Usery said. “We want people to know they have a place in FFA and to leave convention feeling inspired but also willing to take a chance, because you never know where it’s going to lead.”