FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Each year, Penn State hosts FFA State Convention and Activities week for Pennsylvania high school students. This year, the event took place June 13-15. During this time, students compete in Leadership Development Events (LDEs) and Career Development Events (CDEs). The events are designed to help prepare students for careers in agriculture and beyond. Classroom instruction comes alive as students demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. CDEs & LDE's test the abilities of individuals and teams in 23 major areas of agricultural instruction.

For the second year, turfgrass science was featured as a CDE event. Students competed individually or on teams to conduct a site evaluation, calibrate a fertilizer spreader, identify turfgrasses, weeds, insects, and diseases, interpret a pesticide label, and more! Following the event, students had the opportunity to get on the field at Beaver Stadium, tour Medlar Field, and learn how to paint a logo.

Congratulations to all of the student participants on a successful event! Taking first place as a team - Tulpehocken FFA, second place - Conrad Weiser FFA, and third place - Monroe Area AVTS FFA. Taking first place as an individual - Ethan Bretzius, second place - Hannah Vazquez Colon.

Special thanks goes to Tom Bettle and the Joseph Valentine Turfgrass Research Center Turf Team, Jon Seaman, Dr. Carson Letot, Chris Gawryla, and Matt Neri. This day would not have been possible without their help!