MINNEAPOLIS — More than 4,000 Future Farmers of America members, teachers, adult supporters and sponsors will gather April 24-26 for the first time in nearly three years, resuming a tradition that was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme “Thrive,” Minnesota FFA will celebrate the accomplishments of students who have excelled in leadership, career exploration, science, community involvement and agriculture experiences.

Fifteen students have been selected as FFA Star finalists with their supervised agricultural experiences, including Jessica Willegal of GFW Pioneer Express FFA (Star Farmer) and Sophie Lynn Kyllonen of Sleepy Eye FFA (Star in Production Placement).

The organization’s 93rd convention is taking place during a benchmark year of 15,000 student members, the highest since the 1980s. Nineteen FFA chapters chartered over the past three years are indicative of the growth Minnesota FFA experienced, even during the challenging 2020 and 2021 school years.

“FFA has provided myself and my team with an abundance of moments where we were at our best,” said Emily Matejka, the 2021-22 Minnesota FFA president, from Martin County West. “As we shaped our year and influence, we wanted members to remember that FFA continues to provide these thriving moments for all members.”

General sessions, workshops, state competition Career Development Event and Leadership Development Event contests, and selection of the 2022-2023 Minnesota FFA State Officers will take place at a combination of the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus, the 3M Arena at Mariucci-University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

“In 2022, many of our students will be experiencing this event in person for the first time, due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Matejka. “State FFA Officers, teachers and partners are eager to provide opportunities to help these students not only find belonging and success, but discover the traditions and culture of FFA in a way they haven’t been able to in a virtual world.”

In February, the Minnesota FFA Foundation helped to introduce a Minnesota license plate honoring agriculture, with a design inspired by nearly 100 sketches from FFA and 4-H members. Both FFA and 4-H benefit from the new plate, which enables a $20 contribution to the organization when purchased.