FFA travels to Sacramento for 97th State Conference

24 FFA members from Arcata High joined the sea of over 7,000 blue jackets in Sacramento for the 97th California FFA State Conference. The five-day trip was designed to be an outlet for its attendees to develop friendships, gain leadership skills, and learn about careers in the agricultural industry. 

Before the conference started, the group attended two industry tours in the Sacramento Valley to learn more about California agriculture and food processing. The first visit was to a rice mill, where students learned about the steps and procedures of processing rice plants. In the next tour, they visited a tomato farm and learned about the planting of tomatoes and the machinery involved in the process. The group also toured the California State Capitol building, learning about its unique history and architecture.

Four Arcata High students competed in the state Agriscience competition. Lily Cunningham and Mia Nanzinni’s project, “The Local Impact of Ag Run-Off in Streams and Rivers,” and Sayba Zargari and Lucia Hernandez’s project, “How Sugars Affect The Fermentation of Hard Cider,” both placed second in their divisions.

Arcata FFA President Lily Cunningham shared about her experience. “I’ve been to all four State Conferences, and I definitely think this one was my favorite. I competed in the State Agriscience fair, and that added another layer to it. I was really proud to see my board on display in the convention center.” 

Jocelyn Bravo-Ortega and Jaida Dusel served as delegates representing Arcata FFA in voting on amendments to the FFA constitution and electing next year’s state officers, but not before they said the current officer team said their goodbyes. 

Each of the California FFA State Officers delivered their retiring addresses, which teach valuable lessons through personal experiences. This was a highlight of the conference for many.

“[California FFA Vice President] John Dien’s was my favorite because he truly connected to all of the 8,000 people with his story,” junior Aiden Matlock said. “It was inspirational for me because I’m known as ‘no embarrassment,’ and John learned pretty quickly not to listen to haters.”

Attendees also learned lessons from keynote speakers throughout the conference. Some of these guests were: champion bull rider and star of Rodeo Time Dale Brisby, Miss USA and West Point graduate Alma Cooper, Ugly Company founder Ben Moore, and internationally acclaimed public speaker Rick Rigsby. The College and Career Expo had representatives and demonstrations from a wide array of colleges, companies, brands, trade schools, and agriculture-related careers. 

“My very first State Conference ignited a whole new spark and passion for FFA,”  former California State FFA Sentinel Joshua Wolford said. “I hope that students who came to the State Conference this year take away that same feeling.”