Monte FFA brings home national championship hardware

      Members of the Montezuma FFA Farm and Agribusiness  Management CDE team were named national champions at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 29 - 31 in Indianapolis. Joining Montezuma FFA Advisor Rick Swenson are team members, from left: Broox Stockman, Peyton Tindle, Claire Erselius and Brady Boulton.

By J.O. Parker
 
       The Montezuma FFA Chapter wrapped up the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo with two National Championship honors and an 11th place finish.
       The chapter’s Farm and Agribusiness Management Career Development Event (CDE) team captured one of two national championship honors for Montezuma at this year’s annual convention, held Oct. 29 – 31 in Indianapolis.
     Farm and Agribusiness Management team received a gold rating and team members included Broox Stockman, Brady Boulton, Peyton Tindle and Claire Erselius. Stockman finished third high individual and Boulton was seventh high individual in the nation.
      The National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE is designed to test the ability of students to apply economic principles and concepts in analyzing farm and ranch business management decisions. Participants respond to questions concerning economic principles in farm business management as well as a problem-solving analysis section. Each team in the event has competed with other chapters in their state for the privilege of participating in the national event.
      Also earning top honors and a gold rating was the Montezuma FFA Chapter Agricultural Communications CDE team at this year’s convention.
   This is the second year in a row that the Agricultural Communications team has won a national championship.
     The Agriculture Communications team members included Olivia Latcham, Leah Urfer, Rylee Thompson and Gracie Wilson.
      The National FFA Agricultural Communications CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills in all areas of the agricultural communications field and evaluates how well they can apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Participants attend a simulated news conference and use the information gathered to complete individual practicums in writing, electronic media and design. Prior to the event, students compile media plans related to innovative agricultural practices, management techniques and marketing tools. Each team then creates a 15-minute presentation based on their proposal. Members also compete in an editing exercise and a general communications quiz.
       The Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team earned 11th place honors at this year’s convention. Team members included Olivia Latcham, Sophia Semprini, Abbi Henkle, Isaiah Wilson, Lauryn Larmore, Hayden Sutherland, Alexa Rose, Kelsie Mostek and Emma Snook.
      Participants of the Conduct of Meetings Leadership Development Event (LDE) are 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who conduct an orderly and efficient chapter meeting using parliamentary procedures. Members also answered questions based upon the team presentation of parliamentary procedure and completed a written exam.
       The Montezuma FFA Advisor is Rick Swenson.

​       Members of the Montezuma FFA Agriculture Communications CDE team were named national champions at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo, Oct. 29 - 31 in Indianapolis. Joining Montezuma FFA Advisor Rick Swenson are team members, from left: Gracie Wilson, Vivian Cook, Leah Urfer and Rylee Thompson.

      Members of the Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team earned 11th place honors at the 2025 National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Oct. 29 - 31. Team members are, from left: Isaish Wilson, Olivia Latcham, Emma Snook, Hayden Sutherland, Alexa Rose Sophia Semprini, Abbi Henkle, Kelsie Mostek and Lauryn Larmore.