Two announcements so far this week underscore it will not be business as usual during the early part of the summer for Indiana FFA and 4-H members, along with their leaders, advisers and families. The 91st Indiana FFA Convention will not be held on the Purdue University campus in mid-June during its regularly scheduled time. Meanwhile, all June face-to-face 4-H events, including 4-H activities related to county fairs scheduled through June 30, will not happen. Virtual 4-H activities will continue.

Rob Hays, director of the Indiana FFA Association, made the official announcement about the FFA convention on April 13 on behalf of the entire state staff and Indiana FFA state officer team.

“Purdue University has determined that no conferences or events shall take place on campus in June, and Indiana FFA fully honors and supports that decision,” Hays said. “Today, we announce that the 91st Indiana FFA State Convention is canceled in its traditional format. In the weeks to come, we will roll out plans outlining how the organization shall celebrate the 91st convention and all the successes of this past year.”

Insiders note that various options are under consideration, and further plans will be announced soon. Traditionally, the state FFA convention not only highlights FFA activities statewide for the year and the work of the state officers, but also is the site of dozens of state contests and award presentations. At last report, only four of 12 Indiana FFA districts held leadership contests to determine state qualifiers before cancellations began piling up due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Hays remained optimistic while announcing a significant change in plans. “Indiana FFA’s theme this year is ‘Forge Your Own Path,’ symbolizing the ability of each individual member, adviser and supporter to embark on their own journey, choosing their own path related to the FFA organization,” he said. “This has occurred for the past 91 years, and 2020 shall be no different.”

4-H activities

State 4-H leaders updated 4-H members, leaders and volunteers in a letter distributed by email on April 15. Jason Henderson, Purdue University director of Extension, and Casey Mull, the new assistant Extension director and state 4-H program leader, issued a statement clarifying changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic through June 30.

“During an outbreak such as COVID-19, the CDC recommends canceling large meetings and events,” the letter says. “The state 4-H staff, in collaboration with county 4-H educators, are exploring alternative delivery of our 4-H programming for the month of June.

“For the health and well-being of our 4-H families, volunteers and professionals, all in-person 4-H events, camps, activities and experiences that were scheduled to take place before July 1, 2020, will be postponed or converted to non-face-to-face experiences. This includes in-person events and activities led by local 4-H volunteers.”

The state leaders also addressed what this means for 4-H activities linked to county fairs in June.

“Likewise, if your county fair falls within the dates affected by this decision, your local Purdue Extension office will be in touch with you regarding alternate plans for your 4-H fair or the 4-H events at your county’s fair,” the letter states. “Please know county Extension educators are working in partnership with local fair boards and the state 4-H office to provide alternate opportunities for youth to showcase and celebrate their 4-H achievements. Please exercise patience and give your local Extension office the time they need to communicate the plans to you.”

For Mull, this is baptism by fire. He began as the new state 4-H program leader in April. Look for an exclusive interview with Mull, exploring his background and underscoring his excitement about the future of 4-H in Indiana, coming soon to IndianaPrairieFarmer.com. Likewise, look for updates on plans related to the FFA state convention, 4-H programs, county fairs and even the Indiana State Fair as those decisions are made.

As Henderson and Mull said, many county fairs are operated by local fair boards. Many are 4-H fairs, but some are not. Local county fair boards will have input into what happens on local fairgrounds. Seek out information about plans for your county fair from your local Extension office, especially for fairs scheduled through June 30.