FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 7, 2026

Arkansas FFA Hosts 2026 Greenhand Conference: “Ignite” at Camp Couchdale

HOT SPRINGS, AR — Arkansas FFA welcomed 578 first-year FFA members representing 66 chapters from across the state to Camp Couchdale for the 2026 Greenhand Conference. Designed specifically for Greenhand members, the conference focused on sparking excitement and igniting passion for agricultural education through hands-on learning, foundational knowledge, and meaningful connection to the organization.

This year’s theme, “Ignite,” emphasized how classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), and FFA work together to support student growth. The conference serves as an introductory experience within the Arkansas FFA Leadership Continuum, marking the beginning of each member’s FFA journey.

Members engaged in five interactive sessions:

Gathering the Materials introduced members to the Three Circle Model of Agricultural Education, showing how FFA is the oxygen, SAEs are the fuel, and classroom instruction is the heat that is essential for igniting student success.

Preparing the Base focused on Arkansas agriculture pathways, helping members explore the wide range of opportunities available within the state’s agricultural industry.

The First Spark guided members through FFA history, highlighting its roots, traditions, and lasting impact.

Fueling the Flame reinforced FFA basics, giving members a clear understanding of the organization’s structure, programs, and expectations.

The conference concluded with Carrying the Flame and Lighting the Path, a capstone session that showcased opportunities in FFA and officially marked the start of each member’s Greenhand journey.

As one of Arkansas FFA’s foundational leadership events, the Greenhand Conference continues to ignite passion in new members—setting the stage for lifelong growth, leadership development, and service to agriculture.

Photos from the 2026 Arkansas FFA Greenhand Conference can be viewed below.