This year, more than 53,000 FFA students gathered in Indianapolis, Ind. to represent their areas of the country in various competitions during the 82nd annual National FFA Convention. For the 7th year, Stihl was a proud sponsor of the Nursery and Landscape Career Development Center.

“When you attend one of these conventions, you are amazed by the level of knowledge these future young professionals retain in their specialty areas,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for Stihl Inc. “Our sponsorship allows us to participate in developing future leaders in the areas of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”

“Thanks to the FFA, we are passing the torch of ’greenscaping‘ to a very worthy group of young people who will help carry the message forward as they take their place as tomorrow’s leaders,” added Phelps.

Will Fett, regional director of the National FFA Foundation said, “As a sponsor of the Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event, Stihl is helping FFA students practice and learn sustainability as it relates to careers in the green industry. The FFA and agriculture industry have been practicing sustainability for a long time, but it has taken on a new meaning when talking about sustaining the leadership and viability of the agriculture industry.”

The team from Washington County High School FFA in Washington, Kan. placed first in the National FFA Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event at the 82nd National FFA Convention. The team members were Jesse Huber, Michael Welch, Brooke Stamm and Bonnie Bailey, coached by John Kern. The Kansas team placed first in competition against 40 other teams. Stihl is sending the top two teams to compete at the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days (SCD), where more than 70 collegiate teams will compete in 51 different events and crown a university champion. The industry’s largest job fair will also be held at PLANET SCD for those aspiring to work in the industry where they can talk with some of the top companies in the plant and landscape network.

This year’s other top performers were:
2nd Place—Georgia, Thomas Burnham, Spencer Freeman, Morgan Strickland, and Nick Wood, all of Perry High School FFA
3rd Place—Florida, Kole Peterson, Ashley Leonard, Ryan Capps, and Lucas Worley, all of Lennard FFA

Top Placing Individuals
1st Place—Jesse Huber of Washington County High School FFA, KS
2nd Place—Michael Welch of Washington County High School FFA, KS
3rd Place—Lucas Worley of Lennard FFA, FL