Hayden Stookey, Indiana FFA State President 2026-27.When more than 70,000 FFA members, advisors, and supporters gather in downtown Indianapolis October 21-24 for the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, the sea of iconic blue corduroy jackets will represent every corner of the nation. But for Indiana FFA members, the annual gathering is a hometown showcase—and a distinct responsibility.
With the national convention rooted in Indianapolis through at least 2040, the gathering represents a massive $40 million economic boost for the capital city while serving as the ultimate platform for student leadership, career development, and community service.
For Indiana FFA State President Hayden Stookey, having the national spotlight right in his home state is both an honor and a unique opportunity for Hoosier youth to lead on a national stage.
Leading on the National Stage
Serving as host state means Indiana’s leadership team plays a vital role in shaping the future of the nation’s largest youth agricultural organization. Indiana sends seven voting delegates to the convention, each tasked with tackling critical issues within national committee structures.
“Indiana FFA has seven delegates that are representing Indiana at the national level,” Stookey explains. “There are six committees this year at the national level, so each of us are kind of split up in those committees. We are working together this week to come up with some recommendations for the Board of Directors… and see how can we make sure that we’re suiting those over one million members now to the best of our ability.”
That leadership extends to key roles within the delegate body. Indiana’s Southern Region Vice President, Baron Riley, serves as second vice chair on his respective committee, while State Secretary Jesse Frazee acts as first vice chair.
Indiana’s influence also reaches into the national officer selection process. Jenna Lawler of Rushville, who served as last year’s Indiana FFA State Reporter, is undergoing intense evaluation rounds as a candidate for the 2026-2027 National FFA Officer team.
“Jenna Lawler, our national officer candidate, was a member of the Rushville FFA Chapter and served as the 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Reporter,” Stookey says. “She has been going through some national officer rounds since Saturday, and she will be going through those the next couple of days. That will be announced at the last session on Saturday.”
Excellence in Competition and Enterprise
Hoosier students will be competing across nearly every Career and Leadership Development Event (CDE/LDE), with 25 different Indiana chapters represented in national contests throughout the week. Indiana boasts four national finalists in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) proficiency awards and eight finalists in the Agriscience Fair.
Among the state’s top competitors is Luke Schilling, a graduate of Eastern Hancock High School and a member of the Eastern Hancock FFA Chapter, who stands as one of just four national finalists for the prestigious American Star in Agribusiness Award.
Schilling’s non-profit venture, Big Doug’s Secret Seasoning, grew from a family recipe created by his grandfather into an international enterprise that donates 100% of its proceeds back to community food pantries, youth programs, and global mission work.
“He is a top four finalist in the nation,” Stookey highlights. “He has an extraordinary SAE and he really transformed that into his star program here… He runs Big Doug’s Seasoning. It’s been very successful here in the area of Eastern Hancock… It’s definitely an extraordinary business, and he’s really taking that to the extreme and really used it to benefit his community, his state, and now he’s representing us on the national level.”
Stookey himself will balance state leadership duties with competition, competing alongside three of his Tipmont/Tippecanoe Valley chapter teammates in the Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE.
Living to Serve in Central Indiana
While workshops and career expos fill the Indiana Convention Center and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, thousands of FFA members will put the final line of the FFA motto—“Living to Serve”—into action.
An estimated 3,240 students will participate in the National Days of Service across 27 local non-profit organizations in central Indiana, completing hands-on volunteer work at food banks, urban farms, and community facilities.
“I know that I’m going to Goodwill and I’m going to be helping out there,” Stookey shares. “We’re visiting some farms and helping with restoration, some food pantries, different places like that… Members from across the nation will also be able to experience that community service aspect of national convention as well.”
Despite a grueling schedule of committee meetings, floor sessions, and service projects, the energy surrounding the week keeps the Hoosier delegation focused.
“It’s definitely an eventful week here, but we are so excited to be experiencing national convention as state officers, as delegates, but most of all as a representation of Indiana,” Stookey reflects. “We are going to have a very busy week, but we are excited to be kind of losing sleep some over the next couple of days!”
Hoosier Ag Today’s coverage of the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo is presented by Nutrien—proudly supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. Visit Booth #630 or learn more at Nutrien.com.
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