National FFA Endorsed ActivityThe next event will be in January 2027 in New Orleans, La., during the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. Registration for the competition is free and will be available in September on gcsaaconference.com.
The Turfgrass Science competition will alternate between the national conferences of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) and Sports Field Management Association (SFMA). During the conferences, participating FFA members and advisors will be offered both professional development and access to the trade show in addition to the competition.
Teams are not currently required to qualify at the local or state level to participate in this Invitational.
The National FFA Organization continually revises National FFA Events to ensure they remain relevant to the industry, FFA members and the agricultural education classroom. In its effort to modernize and increase the number of quality experiences for FFA members, National FFA has created a new model to recognize endorsed activities with other organizations. The National Turfgrass Science Invitational is endorsed by National FFA and open to FFA members. Recognition of winners and teams who competed at the invitational will be held in conjunction with GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
Individual knowledge test (written exam).
Individual practicums.
Team case studies.
Erin Wolfram, GCSAA director, First Green and Workforce development.
Team: Wellington FFA, Wellington, Kan.
Individual: Boston Lawrence, Wellington FFA, Wellington, Kan.
Team: Avery County FFA, Avery, N.C.
Individual: Aaron King, Avery County FFA, Avery, N.C.