By Blake Jackson
The National FFA Organization recently welcomed 75 high school students to its second 2026 Next Gen Conference, held June 23-27, 2026, in Chicago.
Designed for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the program introduced participants to career opportunities within agribusiness systems through educational sessions, industry tours, and hands-on learning experiences.
As the nation's largest school-based student leadership organization, with more than one million members, National FFA created the conference to help students explore the expanding agricultural industry beyond traditional farming.
Participants visited leading organizations, including Invenergy and the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, where they gained firsthand insight into modern agriculture and related career paths.
Students also participated in interactive activities with CHS, CNH Industrial, and GROWMARK, providing practical exposure to agribusiness operations, technology, and innovation.
“Over the decades, the business of agriculture has evolved beyond the traditional farming landscape,” said Ashli Weinrich, Program Specialist, Advocacy, Literacy & Ag Based Experiences, Programs and Events Division, National FFA Organization.
“Hosting our Next Gen Conference in Chicago gives our members the opportunity to explore what agriculture looks like in a non-traditional landscape.”
Students were selected through a competitive application process that highlighted their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, which apply classroom learning through real-world work experiences, entrepreneurship, farm management, marketing, and other agricultural ventures.
Among those chosen to attend were Missouri students Owen Colvin, Alaina Zerr, Connor Gray, Mason Berner, Lania Morgan, Nancy Vargas, Adalyn Wiest, and Adian Adams, who joined peers from across the country to expand their leadership skills and explore future careers in agriculture.
Photo Credit: national-ffa
Categories: Missouri, Education