Most FFA members come to state convention to attend sessions, tour the expo center, or receive hard-earned awards, but for the past two years, I’ve come to do something a little bit different. I had the opportunity to serve as a convention reporter for the 2026 Ohio FFA State Convention through Ohio Ag Net. While thousands of members, parents, alumni, and guests filled the arena to celebrate degrees and awards, I was working behind the scenes. From taking photos and video clips to writing social media captions and performing interviews, I did a little bit of everything. Looking back, it added up to more than I expected: a perspective on state convention that most members never see.
I had the opportunity to talk to people I would never have crossed paths with otherwise: the Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Brian Baldridge; past and present Ohio FFA presidents, Carter Boyd and Austin Manning; and National Eastern Region Vice President, Joey Nowotny. Each conversation gave me a different perspective on State Convention. One interview that I did, though, really stood out. I was able to speak with Sydney Beiting, a former FFA in the USA reporter who now serves as the Ohio FFA State Reporter. Hearing her story of working for years toward state office before finally earning it was a great reminder that it is worth it to keep chasing your dreams.
This experience has taught me that convention looks different when you are the one responsible for covering it. You notice things you would have otherwise walked right past as an attendee. I came to state convention as a member. Ohio Ag Net handed me a camera and a credential, and I left with many more skills and memories than I showed up with.
