FARGO (AP) - The state FFA convention has brought some 1,400 members to the North Dakota State University campus, with blue corduroy their jacket of choice.

National FFA Adviser Larry Case helped kick off the first night's session. He said the energy of the convention is reflected in the FFA itself

State Adviser Myron Johs says North Dakota's FFA chapters are growing after years when numbers were on the decline. He says much like production agriculture, the FFA has had to expand its scope and diversity, and it's paying off.

State FFA teams will be competing for awards and the chance to advance to the national convention in Indianapolis in October.