More than 7,000 FFA members, advisers, parents and guests will be in Lincoln April 5-7 for the 89th Nebraska FFA State Convention.

The convention will feature a number of events and activities including educational sessions, workshops, a career fair, a leadership academy, interviews and leadership skills events. Most of the events will take place on East Campus, at Pinnacle Bank Arena and at downtown hotels. University faculty and staff are coordinating many of the events and contests.

Preparing high school students for Nebraska’s largest and most essential industry is no small task. The Nebraska FFA Convention would not be possible without the support of and coordination with the university, said Matt Kreifels, Nebraska director of agricultural education.

“We are thankful for the hundreds of faculty, staff and students who help make these events a success,” he said.

Today’s agricultural industry presents students with more than 300 career opportunities so a major component of the three-day convention is Career Development Events. CDEs are designed to help students develop the abilities to think critically, communicate clearly and perform effectively in a competitive job market.

During the convention, CDEs will evaluate students on technical knowledge and skills in all aspects of the agriculture industry – from communications to mechanics and beyond.

One of the highlights of the convention will be a special signing ceremony from 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 6 for current senior FFA members who have committed to the university. All seniors planning to attend the university are invited to participate, regardless of their chosen major. Several university leaders plan to attend the festive celebration to welcome new students to campus.

Following the signing ceremony, more than 2,500 FFA members will attend “Big Red Rock the Rec” from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center, 841 N. 14th St. FFA members will be able to participate in recreational activities including rock climbing, dodgeball, cycling, table tennis and more.

For more information about the convention, including a full schedule of events, click here.