300+ Agri-Enthusiasts Explore AGNR

Written By: Rebecka Tetter

In an exciting event held in June, the University of Maryland (UMD) played host to over 300 Maryland FFA students for the annual State FFA Convention. This gathering not only provided a platform for these young agricultural enthusiasts to showcase their talents but also served as an excellent opportunity for the university to showcase its diverse programming and foster a connection with the next generation of agri-enthusiasts. As a land-grant institution, UMD is committed to providing accessible education and fostering agricultural advancement. This event allowed the FFA students to witness firsthand the numerous programs and resources offered by the university. The convention offered a wide array of activities that enabled the students to showcase their skills and participate in various career development and leadership events.

Lecturer and Advisor Tom Mazzone notes, "I was really pleased to see the Maryland State FFA Convention return to UMD for the first time in nearly a decade. As a high school student in FFA, I came here to compete, and it later inspired me to attend the University after I witnessed all of the opportunities available here. I can only hope the same impact was had for this generation of FFA members during the convention. I anticipate that this was only the start of a long standing, positive relationship between UMD and FFA."

The Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) provided opportunities for both students and teachers in numerous ways during the convention. Lecturers and Advisors

Geoffrey Rinehart and Kenneth Ingram hosted the first ever turfgrass Career Development Event (CDE) in the state of Maryland. Mazzone hosted a workshop for teachers, in which he taught them how to conduct a metal working project with students to construct a bottle opener. He also led an eletrical workshop for FFA members during which they got to make and take a table lamp with a built in USB charging outlet. Meredith Epstein and Rebecka Tetter shared their knowledge with teachers about helping students navigate alternative pathways after high school graduation. Lastly, Carole Dingess and Tetter helped run the Ag Knowledge Bowl.

The State FFA Convention held at UMD aimed to spark inspiration among the FFA students and encourage them to consider a future at the institution. By showcasing the university's programs, resources, and engaging activities, the hope was that these young agricultural enthusiasts could envision themselves as future Terps! With this event, the university aimed to inspire the FFA students to consider UMD as a potential path to a successful future in agriculture, nurturing the next generation of agrienthusiasts.