July 31, 2025

Fort Worth Leaders Honored for Agricultural Education Support

News Summary

During the Texas FFA’s 97th Annual Convention, Fort Worth leaders received the Honorary Lone Star Degree for their contributions to agricultural education. The convention, which brings an economic boost to the city, honored community members from Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Convention Center for their support of agricultural initiatives. Looking ahead, Fort Worth will host the Texas FFA Annual Convention in 2026 and 2027, reinforcing the city’s role in nurturing future agricultural leaders. Students involved in the FFA engage in various fields and contribute to community service initiatives.

Texas FFA Awards Honorary Lone Star Degrees to Fort Worth Leaders for Agricultural Education Support

The Texas FFA awarded the Honorary Lone Star Degree during its 97th Annual Convention held in July, recognizing exceptional contributions to FFA and agricultural education. Among the recipients were notable members of the Fort Worth community, including staff from Visit Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Convention Center. This honor emphasizes the vital role that local leaders play in supporting agricultural initiatives and fostering the development of Texas youth in various fields related to agriculture.

Texas FFA Executive Director Jennifer Jackson acknowledged the hard work and dedication of these individuals to promote agriculture and cultivate leadership among young Texans. The partnership between the Texas FFA and local leaders significantly enhances the quality of educational experiences for participating students.

Economic Impact of the Texas FFA Annual Convention

Fort Worth has hosted the Texas FFA Annual Convention nine times since 2002, demonstrating its capacity as a key location for this significant event. The convention attracts approximately 13,000 students, teachers, and sponsors each year, contributing an estimated $18 million economic impact on the Fort Worth area. This influx of visitors provides valuable business for local hotels and restaurants, showcasing the city’s exceptional hospitality.

The Texas FFA Annual Convention is scheduled to return to Fort Worth for its future annual events in 2026 and 2027, reinforcing the city’s reputation as an ideal host. The compact, safe, and walkable downtown Fort Worth area offers a variety of accommodations and dining options, making it a convenient location for attendees and fostering a positive experience.

Leadership Development and Education Opportunities

At the Texas FFA Annual Convention, over 16,000 members and guests are expected to participate, with presentations and activities that promote leadership and agricultural education. The convention will grant more than 150 scholarships totaling $2.3 million to outstanding graduating seniors, reinforcing the commitment to support student achievement and education.

Students involved with the FFA engage in diverse fields of study, including horticulture, aquaculture, food sciences, accounting, business, wildlife management, mechanics, and engineering, preparing them for their future careers. Educational programs offered through FFA help to create a skilled workforce equipped to tackle the challenges in agricultural sectors.

Community Involvement and Environmental Stewardship

Prior to the opening of the convention, 348 FFA members participated in a community service initiative, revitalizing parks as part of the Keep Fort Worth Beautiful program. The group collected 168 bags of trash, totaling 3,360 pounds of litter and debris. This effort underscores the Texas FFA’s commitment to promoting leadership and environmental stewardship among its members.

The collaboration between Texas FFA and Keep Fort Worth Beautiful not only enhances the local environment but also instills values of community service and responsibility within the youth. By engaging in these initiatives, FFA members develop vital life skills while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Challenges and Future Prospects

The Texas FFA is recognized as the nation’s largest state FFA association, with more than 183,000 members who are dedicated to personal and professional growth through agricultural education. As the organization continues to evolve, it faces challenges in adapting to the changing landscape of agricultural education, particularly in advancing technologies and sustainable practices.

The success of events like the Texas FFA Annual Convention exemplifies the importance of partnerships between the FFA and local organizations. As these collaborations grow stronger, the potential for attracting tourism and boosting local economies also increases, making Fort Worth a key player in the future of agricultural education.

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Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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