Nearly 150 Arkansas FFA chapter presidents and vice presidents gathered at Camp Couchdale for the 2026 Arkansas FFA Chapter Presidents Conference (CPC), a four-day leadership experience designed to prepare students for successful years of service in their local chapters. This year's conference embraced a nostalgic "Saved By The Bell" theme, transforming the week into a school-inspired leadership experience focused on equipping students with the skills they need to lead both in and out of the classroom.
Throughout the week, members participated in hands-on workshops, industry tours, leadership development activities, and networking opportunities with agricultural leaders from across the state.
On Tuesday, students rotated through six interactive workshops focused on facilitation techniques and activity planning, leaving with ready-to-use leadership activities and direction sets they can implement within their own FFA chapters.
Wednesday featured a tour of Ferguson Farms in Arkadelphia before students traveled to Cabot High School for a series of leadership experiences. Members participated in a Mock City simulation, working together to improve their community's economy by balancing priorities such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and water quality. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture, Wes Ward led a session on current agricultural issues, including the Illinois Watershed, New World Screwworm, and updates surrounding the Farm Bill. Students also completed workshops on stakeholder engagement and professional etiquette before putting those skills into practice during the evening banquet. Guests included Magen Allen and Coby Wilson of Arkansas Farm Bureau and Marion Fletcher, who interacted with members throughout the event.
On Thursday, members toured the Arkansas State Capitol with the assistance of Arkansas FFA alumni, Representative Wade Andrews. During their visit, students met with Senator Steve Crowell, Cheryl Augustine, and Stephen Bright to learn more about Capitol history, leadership and public service. Students also heard from Secretary Oliva, with the Arkansas Department of Education. That afternoon, members created their own "class schedules" by selecting three workshops tailored to their interests, including parliamentary procedure, event planning, chapter branding through social media, leading with empathy, proficiency award applications, and National FFA grant opportunities. The day concluded with an evening of fun at Ready, Set, Skate in Hot Springs.
The conference concluded Friday with the CPC Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony, where students reflected on the week's experiences and celebrated the leadership skills they developed in preparation for the year ahead.
The Arkansas FFA Chapter Presidents Conference continues to provide student leaders with practical tools, meaningful connections, and real-world experiences that strengthen local chapters and prepare members to make a positive impact in their schools, communities, and the agricultural industry.