Empowering the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
The Minnesota FFA Convention, held in May 2024, brought together students, educators, alumni, and industry professionals for a celebration of student excellence and leadership. Among the many highlights of this year’s convention was the Career Connections event, an opportunity for students to engage with potential career pathways.
Minnesota Teach Ag at Career Connections
Inspiring Future Educators
Minnesota Teach Ag was proud to participate in the Career Connections event, hosting an interactive booth that invited visitors to share the qualities they admire most in their agriculture teachers. The booth welcomed students eager to explore the essential role of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) education and discover the rewarding opportunities it offers.
Recognizing Future Agriculture Educators
The signing event, held during the 2024 Minnesota FFA State Convention, celebrated an outstanding group of students who committed to majoring in Agricultural Education to become future agriculture teachers. By officially signing their intent, these students demonstrated a growing recognition of the critical role agricultural educators play in equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and passion to shape the future of agriculture, food and natural resources. Among those celebrated were:
- Lainey Brandt
- Jayda Hellewell
- Ellie Hoffman
- Madison Lien
- AJ Bloomer
- Evalina Halling
- Kendra Hanson
- Grace Kachler
- Kiya Williamson
- Ashlyn Altman
- Lauren Hunt
- Hope Alexander
- Alexis Bailie
- Sophia Hoefler
- Mallory Kowalke
- Caroline Kuehne
- Cody Henriksen
- Elijah Doyamo
- Morgan Westerhoff
- Lily Klumper
Angela Mansfield, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education, and Nikki Flaaen, President-Elect of the Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE), joined the signing event, highlighting the importance of developing a strong pipeline of agriculture teachers. Their presence reinforced the critical need for passionate individuals to guide the next generation. Minnesota Teach Ag remains committed to this mission by offering resources, mentorship, and pathways to success for future leaders in agricultural education.
Looking Ahead
The 2024 Minnesota FFA State Convention highlighted the impact AFNR education has on students, schools, and communities, inspiring and equipping young leaders to carry forward Minnesota’s rich agricultural legacy. Minnesota Teach Ag is proud to contribute to this effort, supporting the next generation of educators who will shape the future of agriculture, food and natural resources in Minnesota and beyond.