RANDOLPH, N.Y. — Kadence Durow, a sophomore at Randolph High School in Cattaraugus County, was one of several students who recently spent part of their school day with animals up for adoption from a local rescue.

What You Need To Know

Future Farmers of America is a national organization with about 200 chapters in New York

FFA students in Randolph recently took part in a national competition

The state has invested million of dollars in the organization

Durow is a member of Future Farmers of America, a national organization with about 200 chapters across upstate New York that supports agriculture, career and leadership development.

“You make so many friends along the way, and you learn so many lessons about the ag world, what agriculture is really about,” said Durow.

She was one of a handful of students who solely represented New York as part of the Livestock Evaluation Team at the 2025 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. They competed against teams from more than 40 other states in a number of animal judging events that earned them a bronze, or third place finish.

“I am so proud. I’m so honored that I was able to go. It was an amazing experience,” said Durow.

Durow grew up around a big dairy farm, as did her advisor and former FFA student, Arissa Hitchcock.

“Having the opportunity to go to nationals and walk down the streets of Indianapolis where you see FFA jackets from every state, I’m always so proud of my students and they should be very proud of themselves for getting that opportunity as well,” said Hitchcock, FFA advisor, Randolph Central School.

An opportunity, she says, helps students gain valuable agricultural education, life experience and the support of their community.

“So, I hope they realize they’re making a difference and that they’re showing so many different senses of leadership and they’re gaining that along the way,” said Hitchcock.

Durow encourages others to join FFA and take advantage of endless opportunities, whether they live on a farm or not.

“You can do so many fun things, travel so many places. Meet so many new people,” said Durow.