More than 16,000 members of the Texas Future Farmers of America Association and guests are in Fort Worth this week for their annual convention.
You won’t miss ’em. The blue corduroy jacket they wear is the organization’s official uniform, even on triple-digit July days.
Community service is another tradition.
Several students spent a hot Tuesday afternoon picking up litter in Gateway Park. Over two days, they cleaned up three other parks and helped at two nonprofits.
Living to serve is one part of the FFA motto.
“We’re cleaning up the Fort Worth Park because they allowed us to be here and to host our convention here. So it’s doing something to give back to the community,” said Tori Tompkins, the vice-president of the FFA chapter at Waller High School.
“This is my third year in FFA. I’ve been raising livestock. I judge wool, and it’s taught me so much of teamwork and what it is to serve your community,” said Bella Guys, with the FFA chapter at Judson High School.
The students said FFA isn’t just about farming. It’s about building skills for the future, from leadership development to hands-on learning and career readiness.
The Texas FFA Association said this year’s convention carries added significance. It will be one of the last major events held in the Fort Worth Convention Center Arena before the city demolishes it in 2027.