Midlakes FFA took part in the 101st NYS FFA Convention in Buffalo, hosted at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center from May 14 through May 16.

The in-person event welcomes more than 2,000 FFA members, advisors and honored guests from across the state. The program features keynote speakers, time to interact with peers and presentations by agricultural professionals.

Thursday offered a stellar opening day.

Emma Mae White (Class of 2029) moved on to the state level in Junior Creed Speaking, and ranked fifth in New York State. She also defended her agriscience Fair research about the importance of agricultural education in schools.

The Midlakes FFA milk quality results were announced from the competition in March. Midlakes' team ranked 3rd place. Seventh grader, Catherine Worden ranked 7th out of 141 participants!

The Farm Business Management team competed today, the first time Midlakes FFA fielded a team in that category. Junior Ana McConnon, Worden, Brayden Trickey (Class of 2029), and Maryalice Busby (Class of 2028) teamed for the effort, and worked with former Midlakes educator Mr. Sleeman to prepare.

For the first time, Juniors Spencer Fox and Logan Hill teamed with Michael Kent (Class of 2030), Ellen Lincoln (Class of 2031) for Midlakes' first attempt in the Food Science contest.

Seventh graders David McConnon and Tristan Henderson showed off their knowledge during Jr. Tool ID and came home with a bunch of great freebies from the vendors at the Expo!

State Convention offers students the opportunity to expand their knowledge during workshops and tours by exploring different fields in the agriculture industry and networking with agricultural business professionals and colleges during the Career Engagement Expo.