The 86th Minnesota FFA Convention was held April 26-28 at the University of Minnesota — St. Paul Campus. Ten members of the Austin FFA Chapter attended. The chapter had two teams compete in Career Development Events (CDE) — Agricultural Mechanics and Livestock Evaluation.

The Agricultural Mechanics team took 11th out of 37 teams. The team consisted of Brad Gerlach, Josh Irvin, Tim Farrell and Luke Van Hooser. Brad Gerlach was the 19th overall individual. The Ag Mechanics contest gets members to use both practical and technical skills through application in general mechanics areas such as welding, engines and machinery, plumbing, electrical, GPS, construction and soil and water conservation practices. The team also placed first at the Region VIII Contest in March with Brad Gerlach taking first individual and Tim Farrell placing second individual.

The Livestock Evaluation team was sixth out of 58 teams. The team consisted of Connor Bollum, Evan Meiergerd, Noah Carroll and Michael Carroll. Connor Bollum was 16th individual, Michael Carroll was 20th individual and Evan Meiergerd was 23rd individual. In the Livestock Evaluation contest, members must judge four species of livestock based on specific characteristic on either breeding or market qualities. Members judge cattle, swine, sheep and goats. The team has participated in several judging events throughout the school year including the National Barrow Show, Minnesota Spring Barrow Show and SDSU’s Little International where the team placed second.