More than 700 FFA students visit St. Paul campus during U of M Fall Invitational

More than 700 FFA students from across Minnesota visited the St. Paul campus for the 32nd annual UMN Fall Invitational on October 11, hosted by CFANS and the Department of Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing.

Students from 63 high school FFA programs participated in dairy, general livestock, poultry and soils judging contests. A new offering this year, a session on “Ag Literacy, Leadership and U," introduced students to a variety of career opportunities in agriculture, food, and natural resources; engaged them in leadership development; and highlighted several participating CFANS departments: food science, horticulture, forest resources and animal science.

Kyle Thomas, CFANS Student Ambassador and a National FFA Officer Candidate, welcomed the group with a talk on leadership.

All participants took a special facilities tour that included campus animal barns and greenhouses. Focused engagement sessions provided hands-on learning including timber cruising with forestry experts, checking blood glucose with nutrition majors, harvesting vegetables with the Student Organic Farm, and learning how to evaluate dairy calf health.

Thanks to all CFANS faculty, staff and students who contributed a warm welcome to Minnesota FFA members, facilitated sessions and guided activities during their time on campus.