'Discovering the scientist within' during Minnesota FFA State Convention 2024

A myriad of FFA student members wearing their iconic blue jackets joined CFANS faculty, staff and students for "Discover the Scientist Within," on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul during the 2024 Minnesota FFA State Convention.

During the session, FFA students took an opportunity to explore a variety of hands-on science activities and displays including commodity trading simulation, tracking signs of bed bugs, measuring cow burp methane, extracting fruit DNA, and more.

CFANS students, faculty and staff led interactive tours of a food technology facility, tree core and water sampling methods, and a biofuel combustion laboratory. Current students living in St. Paul campus Greek life facilities offered welcoming tours to see nearby houses and meet chapter members.

The College was proud to be a session sponsor during State Convention. CFANS Dean Brian Buhr welcomed the crowd during the opening session at 3M Arena at Mariucci.

"I'm convinced your persistence, your passion, your commitments to agriculture and food will lead to a great future that helps us solve some of the challenges we face now," said Dean Buhr.

We hope to see Minnesota FFA members return to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to pursue future career opportunities in food, agricultural and natural resource sciences.

FFA is a national organization developing students’ potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The Minnesota FFA Association represents 15,000 members and 210 high school chapters across the state. Agricultural education engages students through hands-on learning in the classroom, work-based learning opportunities known as Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects and FFA activities.