By Scout Nelson
The Minnesota FFA Winter Leadership Summit brings together nearly 250 FFA members from across the state for a full schedule of contests, leadership development, and educational opportunities.
Held at St. Cloud State University, the event helps students earn spots at the 2026 National FFA Convention through Leadership Development Events (LDEs). Competitions include Prepared and Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Ag Issues, Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Employment Skills, and the FFA Creed.
A major supporter of the Summit is Compeer Financial, which partners with the Minnesota FFA Foundation to invest in the growth and success of FFA members. The Minnesota Farm Bureau FFA Discussion Meet is also hosted during the Summit, giving students an additional chance to demonstrate their communication and leadership abilities.
An invitational FFA Creed event offered in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali is made possible through a grant for Underserved Populations from Minnesota Career and Technical Student Organizations, with award support from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Students also join workshops that strengthen their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), which are an essential part of the agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) education system. Topics include ag mechanics, equine care, community gardening, and animal-related projects. FFA alumni and supporters assist members in preparing State FFA Degree and Proficiency Award applications.
Local chapter officers attend a leadership session called C.LI.M.B., which stands for Chapter Leaders Igniting Momentum and Brilliance. First-year members, known as Greenhands, participate in a special workshop, while upper-grade students receive guidance on scholarship applications supported by the Minnesota FFA Foundation.
Minnesota livestock sectors, including pork, beef, dairy, and turkey, join the event to present Livestock Quality Assurance information and share updated agriculture resources. The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council helps chapters travel to the Summit by providing transportation support.
The Winter Leadership Summit complements the Minnesota FFA State Convention in April, where Career Development Events (CDEs) determine additional national competitors. As noted by Minnesota FFA career and alumni coordinator Natasha Mortenson, “The Summit highlights the work these students have already done in their leadership areas but also provides the resources that will help them continue down their agriculture education path.”
For more information, visit MNFFA.org or follow Minnesota FFA on social media.
Photo Credit: minnesota-ffa
Categories: Minnesota, Education