Eight members of the Clear Creek Amana FFA Chapter recently attended the 98th Annual National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana! Representing CCA were: Taylor Vittetoe, Audrey Bulechek, Abigail Siewert, Korinn Drake, Gracelyn Whitehead, Hayden Coughenour, Emma Staebler, and Tate Riggan, along with FFA Advisor Alyssa Amelon.

The group kicked off their trip on October 28 with a stop in Fowler, Indiana to tour RDM Shrimp, an indoor sustainable saltwater shrimp farm and one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. After learning about aquaculture and sustainable food production, they headed to their hotel and enjoyed dinner together.

Day two was packed with opportunities at the National FFA Career Fair, FFA Shopping Mall, National FFA Agri-Science Fair, and a general session at Lucas Oil Stadium. Students heard from keynote speaker A’ric Jackson, who inspired members to embrace authenticity, push past their comfort zones, and give 110% in everything they do.

The third day brought industry tours, including:

• Umbarger Show Feeds – where members saw how animal feed is mixed, packaged, and customized, including high-tech robotic equipment
• A historic candy shop in Franklin, Indiana – originally a train station
• Poe Hampshires – a purebred show sheep farm demonstrating artificial insemination and innovative wool sustainability practices
• An antique tractor museum – exploring the evolution of farm machinery
• After an exciting week of learning, leadership, and hands-on experiences, our CCA FFA members headed home on Friday morning with memories and inspiration to last a lifetime!

Great job representing CCA!