On Oct. 21, 12 of the Gallatin FFA members, and students from Jamesport, Hamilton, Pattonsburg, and Maysville, headed to Indianapolis, Ind., for the 2009 National FFA Convention, where more than 55,000 FFA members from all over the country were expected to be attending.
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When they arrived on Wednesday afternoon, they attended to the opening session, where the national officers opened the 82nd National FFA Convention. The keynote speaker for the Convention was Mike Rowe, from Discovery Channel shows, American Chopper, American Hot Rod, Deadliest Catch, and Dirty Jobs, who spoke on the need of educating the public on modern animal agriculture production methods. He stated this would help prevent misconceptions promoted by groups such as PEDA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the HSUS (Humane Society of the United States).
The students attended many other activities while there including a Toby Keith concert. They also toured Wolf Park, a facility that houses and studies wolves, coyotes, fox, and bison. The students learned that this part is host to scientist from around the world involved in international research on wild K-9s. FFA members retreated to a tour of the Carley Elk Farm. The elk are an addition to the rest of a traditional row crop operation. The students enjoyed a program by Mike Wand, a professional hypnotist.
Regina Holliday, the national officer that gave programs in Northwest Missouri, was on hand to participate in various ceremonies.
The Gallatin FFA members who attended the convention were, seniors: Molly Lowe, Nicole Middaugh, Ryan Chadwick, Casey Alden, and Hunter Prentice, juniors: Danielle Ness, Len Deutschman, and Breanne Brammer, sophomores: Ashley Huffman, Kristin Critten, Riley Vanatta, and Jacob Bell. Mr. Strange and Mr. Henderson, the Gallatin FFA advisers both attended the convention.