Beyond the Booth
How one conversation at Career Connections became a reminder of the lasting impact of agricultural education.
It has been over two months since a record-setting year at Career Connections during the 2026 Minnesota FFA State Convention, and while the booths are packed away and the convention center is quiet again, the true impact of this work continues to unfold.
Career Connections 2026 brought together more than 1,750 FFA students, 89 unique vendors, 20 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institutions, industry partners, educators, and organizations. All united by a common purpose: helping students discover the opportunities within agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR). Just look at the smiles and engagement throughout this sneak peak the event in action:
We are incredibly grateful for the partnership with the Minnesota FFA Foundation and AgCentric in making this event possible.
The pace of this work is fast. The miles are long. The days are rarely the same. But moments like this remind our team exactly why we do what we do.
Prior to state convention, I met three young women from the Goodhue FFA chapter during Goodhue Ag Day. At the end of the event, the skies opened up with hail and pouring rain while I was trying to pack up the combine simulator. These students didn’t hesitate. They stayed, helped, and spent time talking agriculture, FFA, and the future while huddled under the storage shed roof. The students waited out the storm to dedicate themselves to showing off their pride in their tractors in a parade that the younger students, peers, and community wait for every year.
FFA Taking Over Goodhue Ag Day. Nice work, Ms. Livington!
Before they left, I told them to find me at Career Connections so I could interview them about what FFA meant to them.
Fast forward to Career Connections. Despite the packed crowds and long day, they found their way back through the convention center to connect with us. They enthusiastically shared their stories on video, speaking about the impact FFA has had on their lives, leadership, and futures. Just listen to their testimonies. The impact of FFA speaks for itself:
Then came the full-circle moment.
Ten days later, while visiting Goodhue to present in Ms. Livingston’s classes, the girls surprised me between sessions. This time, I got to surprise them back with the Bubbl’r drinks they missed at convention and an FFA Citizenship pin for going the extra mile. Not because they had to. Because they wanted to.
A full day of Ag literacy in Ms. Livingston's classes and embracing a full circle moment!
These moments validate everything our team strives to bring into this work: connection, opportunity, leadership, service, and genuine relationships that last far beyond a single event.
This is the impact of FFA.
This is the power of partnerships.
This is why agricultural education matters.
Ag is everywhere—and it matters.
