Platte Valley Middle School FFA members Mesa Arnold and Luke Larson have been named national finalists in the 2026 National FFA Agriscience Fair, earning recognition for their outstanding agricultural research projects.

Mesa Arnold was selected as a finalist in the Social Science category, while Luke Larson was selected as a finalist in the Animal Systems category. Both students competed in Division 1, which includes individual students in grades 7th and 8th.

The National FFA Agriscience Fair is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, taking place October 21st-24th, 2026. To qualify for the national competition, FFA members conduct scientific research projects related to agriculture or food science and must first win their state's FFA agriscience fair. National judges then review the state winners and select a maximum of ten finalists in each category and division.

Mesa and Luke's accomplishments represent a tremendous achievement for the Platte Valley Middle School's FFA chapter and highlights the dedication and hard work of our students. We are proud to see their agricultural research recognized at the national level and wish them the best as they compete at the National FFA Convention & Expo this fall.

Congratulations, Mesa and Luke!